Six Democratic lawmakers, all with military or intelligence backgrounds, have stepped into a contentious spotlight with a bold message for service members and spy agency personnel.

The group, led by Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin, includes Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, Pennsylvania Reps. Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan, New Hampshire Rep. Maggie Goodlander, and Colorado Rep. Jason Crow, as reported by the Daily Caller. Their video, titled "Don't give up the ship," calls on military and intelligence professionals to stand firm against what they see as potential overreach by President Donald Trump's incoming leadership.

Slotkin, a former CIA officer, framed the message as a direct appeal, stating, "The American people need you to stand up for our laws and our Constitution." While the sentiment sounds noble, it skirts dangerously close to encouraging insubordination against a duly elected commander-in-chief, a role explicitly defined by the Constitution itself.

Lawmakers Cite Oath to Constitution Over Orders

The video features a chorus of voices emphasizing the duty to refuse illegal orders, with Kelly, Slotkin, and Deluzio repeating, "You can refuse illegal orders. You must refuse illegal orders." It's a pointed reminder of legal limits, but the lack of specific examples of such orders leaves the message open to interpretation as a preemptive strike against Trump's authority.

Deluzio and Crow add fuel to the fire, claiming that "threats to our Constitution aren't just coming from abroad, but from right here at home." This thinly veiled jab at the administration suggests a domestic enemy, yet offers no concrete evidence to justify such a grave accusation.

Sen. Kelly, alongside Goodlander, reinforces the shared bond of service, noting that military and intelligence personnel "swore an oath to protect and defend this Constitution." Fine words, but they seem to imply that following executive direction might inherently conflict with that oath, a leap that undermines the chain of command.

Historical Echoes in a Modern Call to Action

The lawmakers borrow a naval phrase from the War of 1812, chanting "Don't give up the ship" as a rallying cry. It's a clever nod to history, but using Captain James Lawrence's dying words for a political statement risks trivializing a sacred legacy of sacrifice.

They acknowledge the difficulty of their request, admitting that "it is a difficult time to be a public servant." Yet, this empathy feels like a calculated buffer to soften the radical nature of urging active resistance within government ranks.

The group promises support, alternating lines to assure personnel in the CIA, Army, Navy, and Air Force that "we have your back." It's a comforting pledge, but one wonders if it holds any real weight when the constitutional authority of the presidency is so clearly established.

Constitutional Clarity on Presidential Authority

Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution designates the president as commander-in-chief of the armed forces, a role that extends to oversight of intelligence agencies like the FBI and CIA under Article II, Section 1. This isn't a gray area; it's a foundational principle that seems conveniently sidelined by the lawmakers' rhetoric.

Their video suggests a crisis of trust, with Houlahan stating, "Americans trust their military," followed by Deluzio's warning that "that trust is at risk." But casting doubt on an administration before it even acts risks eroding public confidence more than any policy could.

Kelly and Crow jointly assert that "this administration is pitting our uniformed military and intelligence community professionals against American citizens." It's a dramatic claim, but without specifics, it feels like fear-mongering rather than a reasoned critique of governance.

A Divisive Message at a Tense Moment

This appeal from six Democrats arrives at a time when national unity is already strained, and their words could deepen divisions rather than heal them. While their intent may be to safeguard democratic principles, the approach flirts with undermining the very system they claim to protect.

Encouraging military and intelligence personnel to prioritize personal judgment over lawful orders from an elected leader sets a troubling precedent. It’s a stance that could embolden chaos if every order is questioned not on legal merit but on political disagreement.

Ultimately, the Constitution provides clear guidance on authority, and no amount of historical slogans or shared oaths can rewrite that framework. These lawmakers might believe they’re standing for principle, but their message risks sowing distrust in institutions that thrive on order and accountability.