Alyssa Slotkin Addresses “Illegal Orders” Concerns as Troops Question Their Role on U.S. Streets

In the past 24 hours, Washington, D.C. has seen a wave of developments that caught the attention of lawmakers, military officials, and the public. Among those developments is a striking message directed at America’s armed forces—one urging service members to uphold their constitutional oath and refuse illegal orders if necessary.

A video released by several senators and members of Congress, including Senator Alyssa Slotkin, delivers a clear plea to military and intelligence personnel amid growing anxiety about potential misuse of military power within the U.S. homeland.

“Americans trust their military,” the group said in the video. “But that trust is at risk. You swore an oath to protect and defend the Constitution. You can refuse illegal orders. You must refuse illegal orders.”

Slotkin, a former CIA analyst with three tours in Iraq, joined TMZ Live to expand on the concerns prompting the video — and to respond to sharp criticism from Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, who labeled the message “Stage 4 TDS.”

Why the Message Was Released

Slotkin explained that the video was not rooted in speculation but in direct outreach from service members who fear they may be ordered to perform actions they believe violate the law.

“We were hearing from people in uniform quietly reaching out, asking, ‘What if I’m asked to do something illegal? Can I be personally liable?’” Slotkin said. “They’re not trained to detain American citizens, raid homes, or conduct crowd-control operations.”

She reminded viewers that under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, troops are required to disobey illegal orders. She pointed to a real example from the previous administration: when President Trump asked the Secretary of Defense to “shoot at the legs of unarmed protesters” outside the White House — a request the secretary refused.

“That is the kind of thing we’re talking about,” she said.

Fear of Being Deployed Against Americans

Slotkin emphasized that the military is trained for foreign threats — not for policing American citizens.

“There’s deep anxiety about being used in U.S. cities against American civilians,” she said. “The idea that Americans could fear their own military is something that turns people’s stomachs.”

She also noted worries about National Guard units being sent across state lines without the approval of governors, leaving soldiers uncertain about the legality of their orders.

Many service members, she said, are already consulting their local JAGs for guidance, or even writing memos for the record to document their involvement in case questions arise later.

Legal Ambiguity Creates Stress

The senator described a climate of legal uncertainty: military members may be ordered to carry out actions that fall into gray areas—such as airstrikes in the Caribbean or domestic law-enforcement support—while the executive branch, Congress, and the courts offer conflicting interpretations of legality.

This confusion leaves rank-and-file personnel afraid they could be punished later, even if top officials avoid accountability.

Slotkin on Political Retaliation: “We Have Break-Glass Plans”

When asked whether she fears retaliation from Donald Trump or federal authorities, Slotkin was blunt:

“Yes. Most of us have discussed that with our teams. We have ‘break-glass’ plans in case they come after us.”

Slotkin said she received messages like “Are you safe?” within minutes of the video going viral — a sign of how tense the political environment has become.

“It’s sad that we’re even asking that question,” she said. “But fear is the weapon they want to use to silence critics. And I refuse to let that happen.”

Hegseth’s Response — and Slotkin’s

Secretary Hegseth dismissed the video as “Stage 4 Trump Derangement Syndrome.” Slotkin brushed off the insult but noted that this kind of reaction is exactly why service members are wary and seeking clarification.

“The military is the most respected institution in the country,” she said. “The idea that Americans could ever fear troops in the streets is unacceptable.”