Democrats Urge Military to Resist Potentially Unlawful Orders from Trump

WASHINGTON — November 21, 2025 — A video circulated by Democratic figures has called on military personnel to refuse any orders from Donald Trump that they consider unlawful, prompting debate over the limits of presidential authority and the role of the armed forces in upholding the Constitution.

The video, released earlier this week, urges members of the U.S. military to exercise judgment and disobey commands that violate legal or constitutional standards. The message comes amid heightened political tensions and concerns about the potential misuse of executive power.

Officials and legal experts have noted that the U.S. military is traditionally expected to follow the lawful orders of the commander-in-chief, but also has a responsibility to reject commands that are illegal under federal law or the Constitution. The recent call by Democrats for military resistance to certain orders has sparked a contentious discussion about what constitutes an unlawful directive and who determines that threshold.

The controversy highlights the delicate balance between civilian control of the military and the protection of constitutional governance. While the president holds broad authority as commander-in-chief, that power is not absolute, and military leaders are trained to evaluate the legality of orders.

Critics of the video argue that encouraging military officials to selectively disobey orders risks undermining the chain of command and could lead to instability within the armed forces. Supporters contend that the message is a necessary safeguard against potential abuses of power, especially in a polarized political environment.

Legal scholars emphasize that the U.S. military’s obligation is to uphold the Constitution above any individual leader. The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) mandates that service members disobey orders that are manifestly illegal, such as those that would violate human rights or constitutional protections.

The debate gained traction following recent statements and actions by Trump that some critics have labeled as attempts to circumvent legal constraints. Although no specific orders have been publicly identified as unlawful, the Democrats’ video appears to be a preemptive measure aimed at preventing possible future incidents.

Military officials have so far refrained from commenting directly on the video, maintaining a stance of neutrality and emphasizing their commitment to lawful orders and constitutional principles.

The situation underscores ongoing concerns about the politicization of the military and the potential for conflict between elected leaders and the armed forces. It also raises questions about the mechanisms in place to address disputes over the legality of presidential commands.

As the nation continues to navigate political divisions, the role of the military in safeguarding democratic institutions remains a focal point of public and legal scrutiny. The recent video by Democrats reflects broader anxieties about the resilience of constitutional norms in times of crisis.

Observers note that while the military is a key institution in American democracy, its involvement in political disputes must be carefully managed to preserve civilian oversight and prevent erosion of democratic governance.

The debate over lawful orders and military obedience is likely to persist as political tensions evolve, with legal experts and policymakers watching closely for developments that could test the boundaries of presidential power and military responsibility.