Grand Jury Declines to Indict Democrats
Senator Thom Tillis, R-N.C., commended a Washington, D.C., grand jury for declining to indict six congressional Democrats who last year urged service members to refuse orders they considered illegal under the Trump administration.
Tillis criticized the use of politics to pursue criminal charges, calling it “political lawfare” that undermines the integrity of America’s justice system. He added that the jury recognized the attempted indictments for what they were, emphasizing that such political actions are unacceptable.
Tillis’s History of Breaking With the Administration
This is not Tillis’s first divergence from Trump’s policies. He has blocked Homeland Security nominees, vowed to oppose Trump’s pick for Federal Reserve Chair, and criticized White House advisors, including deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller.
Democrats Targeted by Federal Prosecutor
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro had sought to charge Senators Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), along with Representatives Maggie Goodlander (D-N.H.), Jason Crow (D-Colo.), Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.), and Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.).
The lawmakers, all of whom previously served in the military or intelligence, released a video urging troops to refuse illegal orders, stating that service members are not required to follow commands they believe violate the Constitution.
Military Rules and Legal Backdrop
Under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, service members must follow lawful orders but may refuse orders deemed illegal. Trump had criticized the lawmakers on Truth Social, calling their actions seditious and “punishable by death.”
Lawmakers Respond to Grand Jury Decision
After the grand jury declined to indict, Democrats praised the outcome. Senator Kelly said the decision protects Americans’ right to speak out and demonstrates patriotic duty. Slotkin added that the ruling is a win for the Constitution, freedom of speech, and the rule of law.
