Grand jury unanimously rejects Trump DOJ’s push to indict six Democrat lawmakers for a video upholding military duty to disobey illegal orders, exposing limits on executive overreach.
Story Snapshot
- U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro drops indictment effort after D.C. grand jury finds no probable cause in early February 2026.
- Six Democrats with military backgrounds released a video in November 2025 reminding troops to follow the law over unlawful commands amid Trump’s policies.
- President Trump called them “traitors” and demanded prosecution under a rare statute, 18 U.S.C. § 2387, but independent jurors blocked it.
- Case highlights grand jury as a check against politicized justice, vindicating rule-of-law principles.
- DOJ unlikely to pursue elsewhere, signaling caution in targeting critics.
Democrat Lawmakers Release Video Amid Policy Disputes
In November 2025, six Democrat lawmakers—former CIA analyst Elissa Slotkin, astronaut Mark Kelly, Jason Crow, Chrissy Houlahan, Maggie Goodlander, and Chris Deluzio—posted a 90-second video. All have military or intelligence experience. The video urged U.S. military and intelligence personnel to obey military law over potentially illegal executive orders.
This came during Trump’s National Guard deployments in Democrat cities and strikes on Latin American drug boats. The message invoked Uniform Code of Military Justice duties, rooted in post-Nuremberg standards rejecting unlawful commands. Trump labeled it “seditious behavior” and called to “LOCK THEM UP.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Washington, D.C., led by Jeanine Pirro, had sought to indict lawmakers two weeks ago, but a federal grand jury issued a rare denial. Pirro has subsequently decided to stop pursuing the case. https://t.co/IotFC73ngV pic.twitter.com/IqjEDTCvqT
— The New Republic (@newrepublic) February 24, 2026
Pirro’s Office Pushes Indictments, Grand Jury Rejects
Mid-January 2026 saw federal prosecutors contact the lawmakers’ attorneys. U.S. Attorney Jean Pirro, with a team of politically appointed lawyers, directed pursuit of charges under 18 U.S.C. § 2387. This statute carries a 10-year maximum for inciting military insubordination.
Around February 10, a D.C. grand jury unanimously rejected the indictments, citing no probable cause. This rare rejection underscores juror skepticism toward perceived political prosecutions. Reports frame it as part of Trump’s pattern targeting foes like Letitia James and Adam Schiff.
Trump’s Influence and DOJ Response
President Trump publicly branded the lawmakers “traitors,” pressuring DOJ action. Attorney General Pam Bondi faced similar prior calls to prosecute critics. Pentagon head Pete Hegseth threatened demotion for Mark Kelly. Pirro’s office, influenced by these directives, sought charges despite the video’s focus on lawful dissent.
The grand jury’s independence prevailed, halting the effort. This aligns with growing resistance in D.C. grand juries to retribution cases in the polarized post-2024 landscape. Pirro declined comment as her team tabled the case.
Lawmakers Denounce Prosecution as Abuse
Mid-February 2026 reports confirmed Pirro ended the push. Lawmaker Elissa Slotkin praised “anonymous American citizens” on the jury for upholding rule of law. Mark Kelly called it an “outrageous abuse of power” by “lackies.”
Chris Deluzio stated they “will not be intimidated.” Attorney Abbe Lowell warned Pirro of “legal ramifications.” No active indictments exist, and sources say DOJ won’t pursue in other districts. This outcome reassures military communities on speech protections during policy disputes.
Implications for Justice and Conservative Principles
The unanimous rejection validates grand jury checks against executive pressure, a cornerstone of constitutional balance. For conservatives valuing limited government, it shows systems working to prevent overreach, even under strong leadership.
Democrats spin it as DOJ weaponization, fueling protests, but facts reveal a high bar for §2387 and juror focus on probable cause. Military oath debates intensify, clarifying dissent from true sedition. Long-term, it may deter partisan probes while exposing leftist tactics undermining lawful orders.
Sources:
Report: Pirro ending push to prosecute six Democrats after grand jury rejects charges
Trump DOJ grand jury rejects indictment of Democrats over military orders video
