Donald Trump is waging a rhetorical war against Democrats concerning military matters, but this strategy could ultimately backfire.
The president’s recent tirade against six Democrats who posted a video urging military personnel to resist unlawful orders is inadvertently empowering a faction that has just celebrated significant off-year victories for their party. Most of these Democrats hail from swing states or districts, identify as centrists, and are utilizing their national security credentials to argue that Democrats can reclaim the mantle of patriotism.
Moreover, Trump’s attacks are inadvertently elevating potential 2028 presidential contenders like Arizona Senator Mark Kelly and Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin, while simultaneously undermining the GOP’s efforts to position New York progressives, such as Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, as the face of the Democratic Party.
“Pete Hegseth and Donald Trump are giving Mark Kelly an unprecedented level of visibility that money alone could never buy,” remarked Barrett Marson, an Arizona-based Republican strategist, in reference to the Defense Secretary who initiated an investigation into Kelly. “Every 2028 contender wishes for this kind of attention from the Trump administration.”
Since Trump accused the six lawmakers of “sedition” and even suggested they could face execution, their video has amassed millions of views on social media, garnered widespread coverage on cable news, and fueled fundraising campaigns that highlight the president’s attacks.
This situation has bolstered the profile of those previously speculated to harbor 2028 aspirations. Kelly, who was previously considered a potential running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris, has embarked on visits to key primary and general-election battleground states this year. His recent invitation to appear on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” came only after Trump’s outburst.
In recent months, Slotkin has been formulating what she calls a “war plan” to “contain and defeat Donald Trump” in speeches beyond her home state. She has been engaging with low-propensity voters and conceptualizing what she labels “Project 2029.” Now, she has brought these themes into a series of interviews and public appearances over the past week.
As Democrats grapple with how to assert their patriotic narrative—often claimed by conservatives—a coalition of lawmakers organized by Slotkin recently released a video featuring anti-authoritarian themes ahead of last month’s “No Kings” protests. A subsequent video called on military personnel to disregard unlawful orders, which triggered Trump’s explosive response.
The president took to social media to accuse them of engaging in “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL” by suggesting that military members disregard their chain of command, even sharing a post advocating for the hanging of traitors. The White House later denied that Trump was issuing death threats against the lawmakers. Following these developments, the Pentagon has launched an investigation into Kelly, a retired Navy captain, while the six lawmakers assert that the FBI has reached out to congressional authorities for inquiries.
Democrats, particularly those with military backgrounds, have rallied to defend their colleagues, echoing the message of adhering to the law and accusing Trump of weaponizing the government against his political adversaries.
“Trump recognizes that we pose a threat,” stated Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.), a military veteran whose Serve America PAC supports many of the Democrats featured in the video. “These are formidable leaders who can take the fight to Trump and the MAGA movement.”
“It’s classic Trump—he escalates everything to an 11, and it often backfires,” commented Austin Cook, a Democratic strategist and former spokesperson for Slotkin. “Not only does it reinforce the aspects swing voters have always disliked about him, but it also provides this group with the largest platform they’ve ever had.”
On the other hand, Tim Edson, a GOP strategist and former political director for the National Republican Senatorial Committee, argues that the video will merely affirm the GOP base’s negative perceptions of Democratic officials.
“Republicans view these Democrats as deranged with a hatred of Trump, and they see this as just another attempt to undermine lawful policies simply because they originate from Trump,” Edson said. “These embarrassing antics only serve to rally Republicans around the president.”
Some Democrats believe it’s premature to assess the fallout for the so-called “seditious six,” as some Trump officials are labeling the lawmakers.
“The effectiveness of this situation will hinge on what transpires next; if an illegal order is indeed issued, they’ll be able to step forward as leaders proclaiming, ‘I told you so,’” texted one strategist with experience advising Democratic veterans, who spoke on condition of anonymity to provide candid insights. “If not, they risk becoming mere victims of Trump’s latest tirades. Many Democrats struggle to operate effectively on his turf.”
Kelly reiterated the message of the video during his talk-show appearance on Tuesday night, remarking that some of his Republican colleagues are voicing support: “People are starting to recognize that it’s absurd for Trump to target U.S. senators and House members for their statements.”
