Six Democratic Lawmakers Warn Soldiers Against Committing War Crimes

Former Minnesota school board member defends lawmakers' message to young soldiers amid concerns over Trump's influence on law enforcement

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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In a recent opinion column, Harry Welty, a former Duluth school board member, defended six Democratic members of Congress who released a video in November reminding young soldiers that they are free to disobey orders to commit war crimes. Welty argues that the lawmakers were right to issue this warning, especially given concerns over former President Trump's influence on law enforcement and the Republican Party's shift in recent years.

Why it matters

The column highlights growing concerns about the potential for abuse of power and erosion of democratic norms under the Trump administration, as well as the importance of protecting soldiers from being ordered to commit unlawful acts.

The details

Welty recounts how, during the Vietnam War, his father, an attorney and former Navy man, warned the governor's chief of staff against sending the National Guard to suppress college war protestors. Welty argues that the six Democratic lawmakers were right to remind young soldiers of their legal obligations, especially in light of Trump's response to his 2020 election defeat, which included calling supporters to Washington D.C. who then stormed the U.S. Capitol. Welty also criticizes Trump's dismissal of FBI agents who were not sufficiently deferential to him, as well as the Republican Party's past attacks on figures like Senator John McCain.

  • In November 2025, six Democratic members of Congress released a video reminding young soldiers that they are free to disobey orders to commit war crimes.
  • In 2000, the Republican Party was accused of spreading false rumors about Senator John McCain having an illegitimate Black child prior to the South Carolina primary.

The players

Harry Welty

A former Duluth school board member who has been reading extensively about American history since Donald Trump's first election.

The Six

Six Democratic members of Congress who released a video in November 2025 reminding young soldiers that they are free to disobey orders to commit war crimes.

Donald Trump

The former president whose response to his 2020 election defeat included calling supporters to Washington D.C., who then stormed the U.S. Capitol.

John McCain

A Republican senator who was the subject of false rumors and attacks from the Republican Party prior to the 2000 South Carolina primary.

Wendell Anderson

The former governor of Minnesota whose chief of staff threatened to send the National Guard against college war protestors during the Vietnam War.

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What they’re saying

“We will not have another Kent State in Mankato!”

— Welty's father, Attorney and former Navy man (Duluth News Tribune)

“Trump's response to his 2020 defeat was to call tens of thousands of his supporters to D.C., who then stormed Congress as though it was Germany's Reichstag. Armed with guns, zip ties and nooses, they attempted to thwart the peaceful transfer of power.”

— Harry Welty, Former Duluth school board member (Duluth News Tribune)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.