Rep. Jason Crow (D-CO) accused White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt of distorting the message behind a controversial video he and other Democratic lawmakers posted online.
Knewz.com has learned that the video, which urges military and intelligence personnel to refuse “illegal orders,” prompted President Donald Trump to accuse the group of “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH.”
Rep. Crow responds to Trump’s accusations
Crow joined The Arena with Kasie Hunt to address the fallout after Trump’s comments. The video featured Crow, Reps. Chris Deluzio (D-PA), Maggie Goodlander (D-NH) and Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), plus Sens. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI).
In it, they tell military members that their oath is to the Constitution and not individuals in power. Trump’s reaction escalated the situation, with multiple posts calling the video criminal and calling for punishment.
White House Press Secretary Leavitt’s remarks fuel the dispute
During a recent White House briefing, White House Press Secretary Leavitt argued that the lawmakers were undermining military stability in the video.
“The sanctity of our military rests on the chain of command,” she said. “And if that chain of command is broken, it can lead to people getting killed. It can lead to chaos.”
However, Crow rejected that characterization, calling it intentional misinformation.
“Karoline Leavitt is outright lying!” Rep. Crow said.
“We actually said the exact opposite. We simply reminded folks of what the Constitution and law require. But again, they’re lying and their propaganda and their twisting of the truth is an attempt to silence dissent and to use fear and intimidation,” he said.
Security heightened following President Trump’s threat
Rep. Crow said that the lawmakers named by Trump have received increased security support since the backlash.
“We’ve already been given additional security by the House, and we’re taking all the measures that we have to take,” Crow said.
“You know, I’m not going to allow myself to be afraid and to be intimidated, but we also will take the measures that are necessary to protect ourselves and our families. That’s something that we always do. And I take it very seriously,” he added.
