Political Resurgence: Democrats Turn Legal Setback into Fundraising Opportunity
In a surprising twist of fate, the six Democrats who recently urged military servicemembers via a video to disregard illegal orders have scored a notable legal triumph. Federal prosecutors opted not to pursue criminal charges against them, opening the door for these lawmakers to harness this momentum to bolster their political campaigns.
“We are not done,” declared Pennsylvania Rep. Chrissy Houlahan during a press conference with her fellow House members.
“We will continue to push back. The tide is turning, and accountability is coming,” echoed Colorado Rep. Jason Crow in a social media video.
Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin weighed in via a fundraising email: “They tried to indict me.”
The group, comprising two senators and four House members with national security backgrounds, launched a vigorous counterattack against President Donald Trump and the Justice Department. They argued that the administration’s actions represented a blatant abuse of power and a threat to the freedom of speech for all Americans. Their response included a barrage of social media activity, two press conferences, and appearances on major cable news programs—tactics that suggest they are keen to seize the political opportunity presented by Trump’s provocations.
“Given the limited power Democrats hold at the federal level, it’s crucial to leverage every instance of Trump’s overreach to raise funds and regain a balance of power ahead of the midterms,” commented Democratic strategist Adrienne Elrod. “Resources are essential for spreading our message, holding Trump accountable, and winning back seats. I’m glad these members are capitalizing on this moment.”
As Democrats sharpen their critiques of Trump in anticipation of the midterms, the Justice Department’s failed attempt to prosecute these lawmakers has unexpectedly elevated their standing. The lack of an indictment after months of public conflict has enhanced their reputation as formidable opponents capable of taking on Trump and emerging victorious.
In this age where attention drives political success, Trump’s actions have inadvertently benefited a cadre of Democrats eyeing future leadership roles, including Slotkin and Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, both of whom are frequently mentioned as potential presidential candidates.
“Trump has unwittingly boosted their profiles through his unfounded attacks and his unsuccessful judicial maneuvers,” remarked Democratic strategist Ian Russell. “This has provided them with a larger platform as leaders focused on safeguarding the nation and serving those who serve us.”
The six lawmakers previously released a video urging military personnel to resist illegal orders amid concerns about the legality of the Trump administration’s military actions against alleged drug trafficking from Latin America. This drew Trump’s ire and sparked what they deemed a politically motivated investigation.
The Justice Department’s decision not to indict these Democrats has given them a fresh opportunity to command attention.
“Today was not just an embarrassing moment for the Administration; it was a sad day for our country,” Slotkin tweeted on X as news emerged that a grand jury had rejected the indictments.
Slotkin has positioned herself as a leading voice for her party, striving to navigate the challenging landscape of a Republican-dominated Washington. To capitalize on this newfound attention, she quickly sent out a fundraising appeal, held a press conference, and engaged in extensive social media activity.
“The investigations kept piling up while we remained silent. If the outcome is going to be negative regardless, it makes sense to go on the offensive and engage publicly,” Slotkin stated during an interview on MS Now.
This strategy highlights a broader trend within the Democratic Party: Trump’s actions often serve as a prime fundraising catalyst. A recent POLITICO analysis of ActBlue data indicated that many of the party’s largest online fundraising surges last year coincided with instances when a Democrat confronted or was attacked by Trump.
“Trump’s elevation of these figures inspires Democratic donors, strategists, and activists, prompting a sense of enthusiasm,” noted Russell.
This trend is particularly evident for Kelly, who is entangled in a public dispute with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth regarding the video. Hegseth initiated a review of Kelly’s comments, which could potentially demote his Navy rank and affect his retirement benefits. Kelly has since filed a lawsuit to halt this review.
Despite not facing reelection this cycle, Kelly has emerged as a top Democratic fundraiser, dominating online contributions for weeks following the Pentagon’s investigation announcement.
Just before reports surfaced that the grand jury had declined to charge the Democratic lawmakers, Kelly’s campaign sent out a fundraising appeal addressing his legal challenges: “What we need from this team right now is the peace of mind that Mark has all the resources he’ll need to stay the course,” stated a fundraising email from “Team Kelly” on Tuesday.
At least two of the House Democrats under investigation have also issued similar fundraising requests in recent weeks. Rep. Jason Crow (D-Colo.), a co-chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, asked supporters for $10 after detailing the federal inquiry into the video, while Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.) made it clear in his own appeal that he would not be intimidated by any harassment campaign.
Alongside their fundraising efforts and media appearances, the group, which also includes New Hampshire’s Maggie Goodlander, presented a unified front during a Wednesday press conference, framing the investigation as political retribution.
“This was about Donald Trump trying to send a message: if you dare to step out of line, dissent, or oppose his agenda, you will be crushed,” Crow stated during the press conference.
Veteran Democratic strategist Jesse Ferguson emphasized that the failed indictments—and the overarching theme of retribution—provide a compelling narrative for Democratic lawmakers. They can argue that their warnings about Trump weaponizing the judicial system for personal vendettas were justified.
“They have proven to be more than just alarmists; they are the meteorologists who predicted a hurricane,” he added.
