Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is appealing a judge’s order that blocked him from punishing Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly for participating in a video urging troops to resist unlawful orders. The Justice Department filed a notice to ask a federal appeals court to review the ruling, which found that punishing Kelly violated his First Amendment free speech rights and threatened the constitutional liberties of millions of military retirees. Kelly stated the appeal aims to “keep trampling on the free speech rights of retired veterans and silence dissent,” while Hegseth countered that “sedition is sedition.” The video, featuring several Democratic lawmakers who are also veterans, called on troops to uphold the Constitution, prompting accusations of sedition from former President Donald Trump.
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Hong Kong pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai has been sentenced to 20 years in jail for foreign collusion and sedition charges under the national security law. Lai was convicted of using his newspaper, Apple Daily, to lobby foreign nations for sanctions against China and Hong Kong, and inciting hatred through published op-eds. This sentence, the longest national security sentence to date, will be served in addition to a previous five-year, nine-month fraud sentence. Several former Apple Daily executives and activists also received lengthy prison terms, with some testifying against Lai in exchange for reduced sentences.
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Senator Mark Kelly responded to accusations from the Pentagon regarding a video advising military personnel to refuse illegal orders, asserting his statement was “non-controversial.” The Pentagon launched an investigation and hinted at recalling Kelly to active duty, citing a federal law that prohibits interference with the armed forces. Trump reacted strongly, accusing the senators of “seditious behavior,” which could carry a death penalty for active military. The controversy highlights the use of “sedition” and comes amid allegations from Democrats of the Pentagon issuing illegal orders, including sending personnel to the US-Mexico border and strikes on alleged drug-carrying boats.
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According to the AP News, the FBI has contacted Democratic lawmakers featured in a social media video urging U.S. troops to defy “illegal orders,” signaling potential inquiry into the matter. This follows the Pentagon’s review of Sen. Mark Kelly for potential military law violations and President Trump’s accusations of sedition against the lawmakers. The lawmakers involved in the video, all of whom have military or intelligence backgrounds, have received requests from the FBI for interviews, though the exact basis of the inquiry remains unclear. The video encouraged troops to reject illegal orders, a message which has ignited the current federal investigation.
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According to a Fox News report, the FBI and Department of Justice are directing the U.S. Capitol Police to assist with interviews of six Democratic lawmakers who released a video advising service members they can refuse illegal orders. The video, which prompted former President Donald Trump to call for their arrest, has led to investigations, with the Department of Defense also opening an investigation into Senator Mark Kelly. The lawmakers, including Senator Elissa Slotkin and Representatives Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan, maintain their statements are in line with the Constitution and U.S. law, while Trump and others have labeled their actions as seditious. While interviews of lawmakers are not uncommon, this situation involves the content of public statements.
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Kelly: ‘We’ve heard very little’ from Republicans since Trump’s sedition posts, and that silence speaks volumes. It’s almost as if the air has been sucked out of the room, leaving a vacuum of accountability. Following Trump’s recent pronouncements, which were nothing short of incendiary, the expected chorus of condemnation from the Republican party has been remarkably faint. It begs the question: what exactly is the party’s stance on this?
It seems the silence isn’t a random occurrence. It is carefully considered. Perhaps this hesitancy to speak out is because they share the same views. Perhaps they fear retribution from Trump’s base.… Continue reading
Trump doubles down on Democrats’ sedition accusation over veterans’ video.
So, here’s the deal: Trump’s been accused of sedition, and he’s not backing down. It’s like a broken record, but this time it involves a video and some strong words aimed at those who might dare to question his orders. The core of it seems to be centered around a video aimed at veterans, and the implication is that Democrats are somehow undermining the military by reminding them of their duty to the Constitution. It’s a lot to unpack, but let’s try to make sense of it.
This whole thing kicks off with Trump essentially declaring that anyone who told the military to disobey his orders should be in jail.… Continue reading
Following a video from Democratic lawmakers urging soldiers to refuse “unlawful” orders, Donald Trump ignited controversy by accusing them of “sedition” and calling for their arrest, sparking outrage among military legal professionals. These experts criticize Trump’s broad and inappropriate use of legal terms while simultaneously expressing concern over the safety of lawmakers. Although many agree that some orders, such as the US’s actions against alleged drug trafficking boats, may be illegal, military attorneys warn of the immense burden placed on service members who refuse orders and stress the need for clarification and guidance. Furthermore, the politicization of the military is highlighted as a dangerous trend, putting junior service members in a precarious position and potentially leading to a breakdown in the core principle that every order is presumed lawful.
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Death threats surge after Trump’s post on ‘seditious behavior,’ senator says. It’s a sobering reality, isn’t it? The news that death threats are surging in the wake of a political figure’s comments, particularly when those comments touch on sensitive topics like “seditious behavior,” is incredibly concerning. We’re talking about real threats to people’s safety, and it’s something that should make us all pause and reflect. Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin, one of the lawmakers targeted in a recent video, has reported a significant increase in these threats, with a notable spike in intimidating messages across various communication channels.
The sheer volume of threats is alarming, but what’s perhaps even more troubling is the context.… Continue reading
Despite accusing lawmakers of sedition, a crime he stated is “punishable by death,” the White House has clarified that former President Trump does not support the execution of any members of Congress. This clarification comes after Trump’s strong rhetoric against political opponents. The administration is attempting to manage the fallout from the statement.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood