Senator Elissa Slotkin reported that President Donald Trump threatened to have her hanged over a 90-second video she organized in November 2025. The video, titled "Don't Give Up the Ship," featured Slotkin and five other Democratic lawmakers with military or intelligence backgrounds urging service members to refuse illegal orders. Slotkin stated that Trump's social media attacks resulted in threats against her and her family, including bomb threats and swatting incidents.

The lawmakers involved in the video included Senator Mark Kelly, Representative Jason Crow, Chris Deluzio, Maggie Goodlander, and Chrissy Houlahan. They addressed active-duty service members, reminding them of their oath to the Constitution amid domestic deployments by the Trump administration. Trump responded on Truth Social by labeling the video "SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!!" and later stated it was "punishable by DEATH!"

Lawmakers Defend Warning On Illegal Orders

Slotkin defended the video, stating it restated standard military training and constituted protected speech. Critics argued that Trump's posts referred to legal penalties for sedition or treason rather than direct orders to harm the lawmakers. Following the threats, Capitol Police placed Slotkin under round-the-clock protection.

In January, Slotkin disclosed that the Trump administration had opened an investigation into her through the office of U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro. The Justice Department has not publicly detailed the inquiry. Slotkin emphasized that the administration's actions send a message to all Americans who might speak up.

Federal Inquiry Escalates Political Fight

Separately, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth moved to censure and retroactively demote Senator Mark Kelly. Kelly has sued, alleging unconstitutional retaliation for protected speech. The ongoing conflict highlights the tensions between the administration and lawmakers over military orders and free speech.