UPDATE: California Representative and gubernatorial candidate Eric Swalwell has sparked controversy by asserting that members of the U.S. military consider themselves an active “check” on President Donald Trump. This claim, made during an appearance on Don Lemon’s show on Monday, comes amid escalating tensions over a provocative video featuring several Democratic lawmakers.
According to Fox News, Swalwell defended six Democratic Congress members who appeared in a video encouraging U.S. service members to “refuse illegal orders” from Trump. This video has triggered a formal review by the Department of War to investigate whether Arizona Senator and retired Navy captain Mark Kelly breached military conduct standards by participating.
Swalwell describes the Trump administration’s launch of this investigation as a political maneuver. He stated, “What gives me hope, and I talk to service members all the time, they tell me that while Congress is not a check on the president anymore, military members have told me, ‘We can be a check.’” His remarks highlight a critical moment as military loyalty and constitutional duty are under scrutiny.
The situation intensified when Swalwell emphasized that service members reassured him they would not “betray” their oath to the Constitution, even under pressure from the commander-in-chief. “They’re essentially saying, ‘We’re not going to betray our oath to the Constitution because this guy tells us to,’” he affirmed.
In alignment with Swalwell, Senator Ruben Gallego warned on CNN that there would be “consequences” for service members pursuing disciplinary measures against Kelly. “Donald Trump is going to be gone in a couple of years,” Gallego noted. “If you’re part of the military that is going after sitting senators, there will be consequences, without a doubt.”
The political implications of this controversy are growing as the Department of War review progresses. Swalwell contended, “To me, the only reason you’d go after Mark Kelly if he’s telling soldiers, ‘You don’t have to follow an unlawful order’ — and they don’t — is if you intend to carry out unlawful orders.”
Democrats are increasingly vocal about the risks posed by the ongoing investigation, raising alarm over the potential consequences for both military personnel and elected officials. The narrative highlights a crucial intersection of military ethics, political integrity, and the ongoing struggle for upholding constitutional values in the face of perceived authoritarianism.
As this situation develops, all eyes are on the military’s response and the actions taken by the Department of War. With significant implications for the future of military conduct and political accountability, the urgency of this unfolding story cannot be overstated. Stay tuned for more updates as this critical situation evolves.
