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By Jason Lemon
Deputy News Director
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House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, responded to a question about President Donald Trump's Truth Social post, saying the actions of some Democrats were "seditious" and "punishable by death," on Thursday, by describing the liberal lawmakers' behavior as "wildly inappropriate."
Earlier on Thursday, Trump demanded the arrest of several "seditious" Democratic lawmakers over a video in which they appealed directly to serving military and intelligence personnel to "refuse illegal orders." Democratic leaders condemned the president's comments, saying "political violence has no place in America."
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Johnson told CNN reporter Manu Raju that the Democrats' actions were "dangerous" and "unprecedented in American history." Later on Thursday the House Speaker clarified, "Obviously, I don’t think that this is, these are crimes punishable by death or any of that, OK?"
Why It Matters
Trump's comments come at a time of heightened concern about rising political violence in the United States, including attempted assassinations of the president during the 2024 race and the murders of a Democratic lawmaker in Minnesota and conservative podcaster Charlie Kirk.
Both Republicans and Democrats have accused the other party of stoking violence and undermining democracy at different points over the past five years, including the attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, and protests over federal immigration enforcement in 2025.
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What to Know
When Johnson was pressed on Trump's comments by Raju, the House Speaker said, "I know the [Department of Justice] DOJ and the Pentagon are looking into the legality of all of that. But what I can address is what everybody knows—that was wildly inappropriate. It is very dangerous. You have leading members of Congress telling troops to disobey orders. I think that's unprecedented in American history."
The Louisiana Republican continued, saying that young members of the military "don't need that kind of nonsense from people in Congress," warning again that it is "very dangerous." Raju then interjected to clarify whether the Democrats' actions should be "punishable by death."
"I'm going to let others define what it is, but it's wildly inappropriate," the House Speaker responded before walking away.
Later on Thursday, Johnson said the “words that the president chose are not the ones that I would use.” He went on to say he did not think the Democrats actions are "punishable by death," but said Trump was "trying to make a point."
The Democrats featured in the video referenced by Trump and Johnson are Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, Pennsylvania Representatives Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan, and New Hampshire Representative Maggie Goodlander. Newsweek reached out to each lawmaker on Thursday morning for comment.
The group, all of whom have military or intelligence backgrounds, had urged service members to defy "illegal orders" coming from the White House, after strikes on alleged drug smuggling vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific Ocean, and operations within the U.S. aimed at immigrants and American citizens. Critics of the president have sounded the alarm on both of these actions by the administration, while some Republicans have raised concerns about the attacks on alleged drug boats.
"This administration is pitting our uniformed military and intelligence community professionals against American citizens," the Democrats say in the video.
"Like us, you all swore an oath. To protect and defend this Constitution. Right now, the threats to our constitution aren't just coming from abroad, but from right here at home. Our laws are clear. You can refuse illegal orders. You must refuse illegal orders. No one has to carry out orders that violate the law or our Constitution," they said.
Trump responded via Truth Social, condemning the Democrats involved in the video.
"It’s called SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL," the Republican president said in a Thursday morning post on his Truth Social platform. "Each one of these traitors to our Country should be ARRESTED AND PUT ON TRIAL. Their words cannot be allowed to stand - We won’t have a Country anymore!!! An example MUST BE SET."
In a follow-up post, Trump added: "This is really bad, and Dangerous to our Country. Their words cannot be allowed to stand. SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!! LOCK THEM UP???"
And in another, Trump said: "SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!"
What People Are Saying
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Whip Katherine Clark and Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar in a joint statement: "Political violence has no place in America. Representatives Jason Crow, Chris DeLuzio, Maggie Goodlander and Chrissy Houlahan and Senators Mark Kelly and Elissa Slotkin all served our country with tremendous patriotism and distinction. We unequivocally condemn Donald Trump’s disgusting and dangerous death threats against Members of Congress and call on House Republicans to forcefully do the same."
California Governor Gavin Newsom on X: "The President of the United States of America just called for the death of Democratic lawmakers. This man is sick in the head."
Senator Marsha Blackburn, a Tennessee Republican, to Newsmax: "They [these Democrats] have stage-4 Trump derangement syndrome ... you know, they're so power hungry..."
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, in a Senate floor speech: "Let's be crystal clear. The President of the United States is calling for the execution of elected officials."
What Happens Next
It remains to be seen whether charges would or could be brought against the lawmakers. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt responded "no" when asked by a reporter in a Thursday press conference whether the president wanted to execute the members of Congress.
Update, 11/21/25 at 8:15 a.m. ET: This story has been updated with additional comments from Mike Johnson.
Update, 11/20/25 at 2:08 p.m. ET: This story has been updated with additional information.
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