US Grand Jury Rejects Bid to Indict Democrats Over Illegal Orders Video

Federal prosecutors failed to bring charges against six Democratic lawmakers who urged service members to refuse illegal orders.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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A federal grand jury in Washington denied the Justice Department's attempts to indict six Democratic lawmakers who posted a video urging conscientious service members to refuse illegal orders. The lawmakers, who include former military and intelligence officials, were accused by President Trump of 'sedition' for the video, but the grand jury found insufficient evidence to bring charges.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and Democratic lawmakers, with the president seeking to crack down on perceived dissent within the military ranks. The grand jury's rejection of the indictment attempt underscores the challenges the administration has faced in trying to punish political opponents through the justice system.

The details

The video in question featured Arizona's Mark Kelly, Michigan's Elissa Slotkin, Colorado's Jason Crow, Pennsylvania's Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan, and New Hampshire's Maggie Goodlander urging service members to refuse illegal orders. While the lawmakers did not specify which orders they were referring to, the Trump administration has faced criticism for using the military in controversial ways, including deploying the National Guard to back immigration crackdowns and ordering strikes abroad that some experts say are illegal.

  • The video was posted to social media in November 2025.
  • The grand jury decision was made on February 11, 2026.

The players

Mark Kelly

A former astronaut and current Democratic member of Congress from Arizona.

Elissa Slotkin

A Democratic member of Congress from Michigan.

Jason Crow

A Democratic member of Congress from Colorado.

Chris Deluzio

A Democratic member of Congress from Pennsylvania.

Chrissy Houlahan

A Democratic member of Congress from Pennsylvania.

Maggie Goodlander

A Democratic member of Congress from New Hampshire.

Donald Trump

The Republican President of the United States.

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What they’re saying

“I will not be intimidated for a single second by the Trump Administration or Justice Department lawyers who tried and failed to indict me today.”

— Chris Deluzio, Democratic member of Congress (X)

“THE TRAITORS THAT TOLD THE MILITARY TO DISOBEY MY ORDERS SHOULD BE IN JAIL RIGHT NOW”

— Donald Trump (Truth Social)

“It wasn't enough for 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, Democratic member of Congress (X)

What’s next

The Pentagon had previously said it was considering a court-martial against Mark Kelly, but it is unclear if that will still move forward following the grand jury's decision.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing political tensions between the Trump administration and Democratic lawmakers, with the president seeking to crack down on perceived dissent. The grand jury's rejection of the indictment attempt underscores the challenges the administration has faced in trying to punish political opponents through the justice system.