Trump clarifies ‘punishable by death’ comment about Democrats wasn’t threat

President Donald Trump clarified his controversial “punishable by dying” remark, saying he was not threatening lawmakers however emphasizing how severe he believes their actions had been.

On Thursday, Trump responded to 6 Democrats who appeared in a video urging army members to refuse “unlawful” orders. The video, posted Tuesday by Senator Elissa Slotkin, has been considered almost 17 million occasions on X.

“I am not threatening them, however I believe they’re in deep trouble,” Trump mentioned on Fox Information Radio on Friday. “Brian Kilmeade Show.”

Trump has posted concerning the video a number of occasions on his Fact Social platform. In a single submit, he wrote: “That is actually dangerous and harmful for our nation. Their phrases can not stand. SLEEPING BEHAVIOR OF TRAITORS!!! LOCK THEM UP???”

SEN BLACKBURN FIRES BACK AT DEMOCRATS OVER ‘DISTORTING’ VIDEO AND URGES STATES TO CONTACT ‘ILLEGAL’ ORDERS

President Donald Trump solutions a query from a reporter within the Oval Workplace of the White Home on Might 5. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Pictures)

In a follow-up submit, he added: “Seditious conduct, punishable by dying!”

The feedback rapidly drew criticism from Democrats, who accused Trump of threatening political rivals.

GRAHAM DEMANDS DEMOCRATS TO EXPLAIN ‘REFUSE ILLEGAL ORDERS’ MESSAGE TO TROOPS

However Trump pushed again on Friday, saying his message referred to the historic punishment for sedition, not a name for it at this time.

TRUMP LABELS 6 DEMOCRATS WHO TOLD TROOPS TO REFUSE UNLAWFUL ORDERS ‘TRAIERS’ TO BE ARRESTED

“When you mentioned one thing like that previously, it was punishable by dying,” Trump mentioned, doubling down on his declare that lawmakers had “damaged the legislation.”

Trump additionally mentioned he fearful the video might confuse or affect some army personnel, suggesting troops may very well be emboldened to refuse orders. He famous that Secretary of Warfare Pete Hegseth and Deputy Lawyer Common Todd Blanche are investigating the scenario.

“They’re investigating it militarily. I am undecided, however I believe the army is investigating it, the army courts,” Trump mentioned.

Senator Elissa Slotkin is seen voting on the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on October 23. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Name, Inc by way of Getty Pictures)

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Senate Minority Chief Chuck Schumer denounced Trump’s posts. He mentioned within the Senate that the president explicitly referred to as for “the execution of elected officers.”

Home Minority Chief Hakeem Jeffries additionally issued a press release, together with his management workforce condemning the feedback as “disgusting and harmful.”