Trump calls lawmakers' message to military to refuse illegal orders 'seditious'

By Quil Lawrence

Published November 21, 2025 at 6:48 AM EST

Six Democratic lawmakers, who also served in the military, released a video this week reminding U.S. troops to refuse "illegal orders," drawing the ire of President Trump and his supporters.

Quil Lawrence

Quil Lawrence is a New York-based correspondent for NPR News, covering veterans' issues nationwide. He won a Robert F. Kennedy Award for his coverage of American veterans and a Gracie Award for coverage of female combat veterans. In 2019 Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America honored Quil with its IAVA Salutes Award for Leadership in Journalism.

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