1. United States
2. Mass.
3. Letter

I write with deep respect for our military, our veterans, and the rule of law. What happened this week requires Congress to act. This morning, President Trump called a group of military veterans in Congress “traitors” and said they should be “ARRESTED AND PUT ON TRIAL.” By mid-morning he escalated to: “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!” Their “crime,” in his eyes, was releasing a short video reminding active-duty military and intelligence personnel of their most basic legal duty: they must refuse illegal orders. This is settled law under the Uniform Code of Military Justice and established by precedent such as the Calley case. The Army Field Manual explicitly states that “superior orders” is not a defense for unlawful actions. The lawmakers Trump targeted are not fringe figures — they are veterans and intelligence officers. Senator Elissa Slotkin served with the CIA. Senator Mark Kelly served as a Navy captain. Representatives Deluzio, Goodlander, Houlahan, and Crow all served our country in uniform or intelligence roles. Their message was patriotic and rooted in military tradition, ending with the Navy’s famous line: “Don’t give up the ship.” I. The Chain of Command Is Already Under Strain This message was timely. Senior JAG officers have raised concerns that recent strikes on small boats near Venezuela may be extrajudicial killings. Eighty-plus non-combatant deaths could expose service members to criminal liability. Yet their legal objections were reportedly overruled — something that puts troops at risk and undermines trust in the chain of command. Meanwhile, Congress is asserting its War Powers Act responsibilities because the administration has conducted military operations for more than 60 days without authorization. Both parties are raising alarms. In this context, it is vital that service members are reminded of their legal obligations. Instead of respecting that, the President demanded arrests, trials, and executions. II. Threatening Veterans in Congress Is an Abuse of Power Fox News legal analyst Andy McCarthy — no liberal — clarified immediately: “There is no insurrection or sedition without the use of force. Disobeying an unlawful order is required.” The President is therefore calling for capital punishment for lawful speech that restates the controlling law governing the military. If any American citizen posted that a President should be hanged, the Secret Service would rightly investigate. Yet Trump is allowed to threaten sitting Members of Congress with death for fulfilling their constitutional duties. III. Why Congress Must Act A President who calls for the arrest and execution of veterans in Congress for reaffirming military law has violated the oath of office. This undermines civilian oversight of the military, destabilizes command integrity, and endangers the republic. For the sake of our service members, our Constitution, and our national security, I urge you to begin impeachment proceedings immediately.