Senator Elissa Slotkin and Representative Chrissy Houlahan announced on Thursday that they will not participate in interviews with the Justice Department concerning their roles in a controversial video encouraging service members to disregard illegal orders.
Senator Slotkin shared her decision in a video on X, stating she informed both Attorney General Pam Bondi and DC US Attorney Jeanine Pirro of her refusal to comply with the inquiries stemming from the 90-second video. In her letter, Slotkin expressed her intention not only to decline the interview but also to urge the retention of records related to the case, highlighting her consideration of a potential lawsuit for what she perceives as an infringement of her constitutional rights.
“I’m not going to legitimize their actions,” Slotkin asserted, emphasizing that the current situation appears designed to intimidate.
Similarly, Houlahan conveyed her stance in her own video, asserting, “Free speech is not a favor that the government can revoke. It is a right, and I will not surrender it, for myself or for anyone else.”
The original video, released in November, featured a group of lawmakers with backgrounds in the military or intelligence urging service members and officials to defy any illegal orders they might encounter from the administration of former President Donald Trump.
Following the release of the video, reports indicated that at least four Democratic lawmakers have been approached by Pirro’s office for interviews regarding their involvement. CNN has attempted to reach the Justice Department for comments on the lawmakers’ decisions.
The actions taken by Slotkin and Houlahan underscore a broader debate on the balance between national security, individual rights, and the responsibilities of public servants, particularly in times of political tension. This stance may resonate with many who equally value the importance of free speech and the right to dissent against perceived overreach by governmental authority.