Senator Elissa Slotkin of Michigan says federal prosecutors have opened an investigation into her role in a controversial video that urged US service members to reject illegal orders. The video, released late last year, sparked strong backlash from President Donald Trump and senior defense officials.
Slotkin confirmed the investigation in comments to The New York Times and described it as an attempt to intimidate political opponents.
How Slotkin Learned About the Investigation
Slotkin said she found out about the probe after the office of US Attorney Jeanine Pirro contacted the Senate. According to the report, Pirro’s office emailed the Senate sergeant at arms and asked to interview Slotkin or her personal lawyer.
Pirro’s office has not confirmed or denied whether an investigation is underway.
Slotkin told the Times that the threat of legal action matters more than the facts themselves. She said the pressure affects not only her, but also her family and staff.
The Video That Sparked the Controversy
The video, posted in November, featured several Democratic lawmakers with military or intelligence backgrounds. Along with Slotkin, the group included Senators Mark Kelly of Arizona and several House members.
In the video, the lawmakers encouraged service members to refuse unlawful orders. Critics said the message crossed a line and amounted to urging defiance of President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The video appeared during a national debate over Trump’s decision to deploy National Guard units to multiple cities.
Trump Responds With Harsh Language
President Trump strongly condemned the video. In multiple posts on Truth Social, he accused the lawmakers involved of seditious behavior.
In one post, Trump said the participants should be arrested and put on trial. In another, he warned that such actions could carry the death penalty. Those comments triggered widespread outrage and concern over political retaliation.
Other Lawmakers Also Under Scrutiny
Slotkin is not the only lawmaker facing fallout. Senator Mark Kelly, a retired Navy captain and former astronaut, has also been targeted over the video.
The Defense Department moved to review Kelly’s retirement rank and pay. In response, Kelly filed a lawsuit against the War Department and Secretary Hegseth. His legal filing argues that the administration violated constitutional protections that shield lawmakers from punishment for political speech.
Kelly said the actions send a chilling warning to retired service members who speak out against the administration.
Escalating Tensions Between Congress and the Pentagon
Hegseth previously called for Kelly to be censured and ordered a review of his military benefits. Pentagon officials claim the video undermined military discipline.
Kelly and his lawyers argue the move has no basis in law and threatens legislative independence.
As the dispute continues, Slotkin has become the latest figure drawn into a widening conflict between Democratic lawmakers and the Trump administration.
