President Donald Trump on Thursday accused six Democratic lawmakers of sedition “punishable by death” after they released a video urging U.S. military members to uphold the Constitution and resist what they described as “illegal orders.”

The 90-second clip, first posted on Tuesday via Senator Elissa Slotkin’s X account, features Slotkin, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, and Representatives Jason Crow, Chris Deluzio, Maggie Goodlander, and Chrissy Houlahan addressing service members directly. Slotkin acknowledged that troops are “under enormous stress and pressure right now” while emphasising that “the American people need you to stand up for our laws and our Constitution.”

All six lawmakers have backgrounds in the military or intelligence services. The video has also elevated their national profiles, with several seen as potential candidates for higher office.

The White House on Thursday sought to clarify that Trump was not calling for executions, despite his social media post describing their actions as “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH.” The remarks, however, have drawn criticism from Democrats and legal analysts who say the language is inflammatory and unprecedented for a former president.