An Oath to the Constitution Requires Saying No to Illegal Orders

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An Oath to the Constitution Requires Saying No to Illegal Orders

US Congress

At a moment of rising political tension, Congress must be clear: using armed servicemembers to advance a political agenda—through intimidation, retaliation, or interference in domestic affairs—betrays that oath and endangers our democracy.

On November 19, 2025, Senators Mark Kelly and Elissa Slotkin and Representatives Jason Crow, Chris Deluzio, Maggie Goodlander, and Chrissy Houlahan reminded members of the armed forces of a core principle of military service: the duty to refuse illegal orders.

In response, President Trump escalated with violent rhetoric, even suggesting these lawmakers should "perhaps be executed." Soon after, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced a Pentagon investigation targeting Senator Kelly, a retired Navy Captain, raising serious concerns about political retaliation against those who uphold the Constitution.

Veterans and military families understand what is at stake. The integrity of the armed forces depends on civilian leadership that respects the law and the limits of its power.

We call on all members of Congress to stand with these lawmakers and reaffirm a simple truth: the U.S. military serves the Constitution and the country—not any individual or political movement.

Add your name to defend the oath, the rule of law, and the nonpartisan tradition of the United States military.

Additional Sponsors

Common Defense Organizing

Win Without War

Washington, DC

The Workers Circle

People Power United

Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG)

Washington, DC

People For the American Way

Washington, DC

Common Cause

Washington, DC

To: US Congress
From: [Your Name]

As veterans, active-duty military personnel, military family members, and civilian supporters, we stand with Senators Mark Kelly and Elissa Slotkin, and Representatives Jason Crow, Chris Deluzio, Maggie Goodlander, and Chrissy Houlahan, in reiterating the obligation of U.S. military servicemembers to refuse illegal orders.

All members of the United States military have an obligation to refuse orders that run contrary to our laws or Constitution.

Like many in uniform, we are deeply concerned that members of the military are being used as political props to police, intimidate, and repress United States residents.

We urge every senator and representative to speak out forcefully against attempts to involve the military in partisan conflicts and domestic politics.

Silence in such moments is not neutrality; it is abdication of duty.

Sign This Petition