URGENT UPDATE: California Representative and gubernatorial candidate Eric Swalwell has made startling claims that members of the U.S. military see themselves as a vital “check” on President Donald Trump. This revelation comes amid escalating tensions over a controversial video featuring Democratic lawmakers urging service members to defy “illegal orders” from the Commander-in-Chief.
During an appearance on Don Lemon’s show on October 16, 2023, Swalwell defended six Democratic Congress members featured in the video, which has incited significant backlash and prompted the Department of War to review whether Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, a retired Navy captain, breached military conduct standards by participating. Swalwell’s comments have ignited a firestorm of debate and scrutiny.
Swalwell stated, “What gives me hope… military members have told me, ‘We can be a check.’” He emphasized that, unlike Congress or the judiciary, military personnel are committed to upholding their oath to the Constitution, even if it means resisting orders from Trump. “They’re essentially saying, ‘We’re not going to betray our oath to the Constitution because this guy tells us to,’” he added.
The controversy is further fueled by Swalwell’s assertion that the Trump administration’s investigation into Kelly is politically motivated. He remarked, “To me, the only reason you’d go after Mark Kelly if he’s telling soldiers, ‘You don’t have to follow an unlawful order’—and they don’t—is if you intend to carry out unlawful orders.”
As this situation develops, fellow Arizona Democrat Senator Ruben Gallego issued a stark warning on CNN regarding potential repercussions for service members involved in disciplinary action against Kelly. “Donald Trump is going to be gone in a couple of years… if you’re part of the military that is going after sitting senators… there will be consequences, without a doubt,” he stated.
This unfolding drama highlights the complex relationship between military conduct and political oversight, raising questions about the integrity and loyalty of service members in the face of controversial directives. As the Department of War’s review continues, the implications of this investigation could have far-reaching effects on military and political dynamics in the United States.
The situation remains fluid, with both sides escalating their rhetoric. The public and military community are left to grapple with the potential consequences of these developments. Stay tuned for updates as this story progresses.
