Democrats Decry Reported Attempt to Indict Lawmakers

Federal prosecutors reportedly failed to secure indictments against six Democratic lawmakers for urging military to disobey unlawful orders.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Democratic U.S. lawmakers, including Senators Elise Slotkin and Mark Kelly, have decried a reported unsuccessful attempt by the Justice Department under the Trump administration to indict them after they urged members of the military to not comply with unlawful orders. The lawmakers said a grand jury of anonymous American citizens upheld the rule of law and determined the case should not proceed.

Why it matters

This reported attempt to indict lawmakers is seen as an abuse of power and targeting of political opponents by the Trump administration, raising concerns about the politicization of the Justice Department and threats to free speech and democratic norms.

The details

Federal prosecutors reportedly tried and failed to secure an indictment in connection with a video featuring six Democratic lawmakers - Senators Slotkin and Kelly, as well as Representatives Crow, Goodlander, Deluzio and Houlahan - urging members of the military and intelligence communities not to comply with unlawful orders. The video came during criticism of Trump's decisions to deploy the National Guard in U.S. cities and authorize lethal strikes on boats suspected of smuggling drugs.

  • In late 2025, Trump assailed the Democratic lawmakers who told members of the U.S. military they must refuse any illegal orders.
  • On February 10, 2026, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro reportedly attempted to persuade a Grand Jury to indict Senator Elise Slotkin.

The players

Elise Slotkin

A Democratic U.S. Senator and former CIA analyst and Iraq war veteran.

Mark Kelly

A Democratic U.S. Senator and former astronaut and Navy veteran.

Jeanine Pirro

The U.S. Attorney who reportedly attempted to persuade a Grand Jury to indict Senator Slotkin.

Donald Trump

The former President whose administration reportedly attempted to indict the Democratic lawmakers.

Pete Hegseth

The former Pentagon chief who reportedly censured and threatened to demote one of the Democratic lawmakers.

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What they’re saying

“Today, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro attempted to persuade a Grand Jury to indict me. This was in response to me organizing a 90-second video that simply quoted the law.”

— Elise Slotkin, U.S. Senator (X)

“This is an outrageous abuse of power by Donald Trump and his lackies. It wasn't enough for (Pentagon chief) Pete Hegseth to censure me and threaten to demote me, now it appears they tried to have me charged with a crime — all because of something I said that they didn't like.”

— Mark Kelly, U.S. Senator (N/A)

The takeaway

This reported attempt to indict lawmakers highlights the ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and Democratic critics, as well as concerns about the politicization of the Justice Department and threats to free speech and democratic norms.