A legal battle is brewing as Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin, a Democrat, stands firm against the Justice Department’s probe into a video urging military members to avoid unlawful orders. This investigation, which has been prominently supported by former President Donald Trump, is now at a crossroads as Slotkin resists voluntary cooperation.
In communications first obtained by The Associated Press, Slotkin’s attorney informed Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, of the senator’s refusal to participate in a voluntary interview concerning the video. Additionally, Slotkin’s legal team has requested the preservation of all documents related to the investigation, anticipating potential litigation.
Furthermore, Slotkin’s attorney has addressed Attorney General Pam Bondi, advocating for an immediate cessation of the inquiry, highlighting its impact on Slotkin’s constitutional rights.
The standoff places the Justice Department in a position to either intensify its investigation into sitting members of Congress or reconsider the inquiry now being publicly contested.
“I did this to go on offense,” Slotkin stated in an interview, emphasizing her strategic move against the investigation. “And to put them in a position where they’re tap dancing. To put them in a position where they have to own their choices of using a U.S. attorney’s office to come after a senator.”
Last November, Slotkin, along with five other Democratic lawmakers with military or intelligence backgrounds, released a 90-second video. This video encouraged military personnel to adhere to lawful military protocols and reject illegal orders, a move perceived as a response to the Trump administration’s actions.
The video incited significant backlash from Republicans, with Trump accusing the lawmakers of sedition and suggesting such actions were “punishable by death.” This led to the Pentagon launching an investigation into Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, who also appeared in the video. Subsequently, the FBI reached out to the lawmakers for interviews, indicating a broader scope of inquiry by the Justice Department.
Slotkin recounted advice from legal advisers suggesting silence might allow the issue to dissipate, yet the situation reignited in January when the lawmakers were contacted by the U.S. attorney’s office.
Slotkin also reported escalating security threats, including a bomb threat at her Michigan farm and threats to her family members. Her father, who passed away in January, faced police intrusion due to these threats.
“It’s not gonna stop unless I fight back,” Slotkin declared, feeling compelled to resist the pressure.
Slotkin’s refusal to comply with voluntary requests from federal authorities marks a significant stand by Democratic senators. Her lawyer, Preet Bharara, a former U.S. attorney dismissed by Trump in 2017, has urged for the termination of the investigation and is considering litigation.
Other lawmakers involved, like Kelly, have taken legal action, with Kelly suing the Pentagon over punitive measures related to the video. Meanwhile, a federal judge expressed uncertainty about legal justifications for the Pentagon’s actions against Kelly.
Slotkin, remaining connected with the other lawmakers featured in the video, has not disclosed their intentions regarding the ongoing investigations.
Amidst these challenges, Slotkin’s political profile has risen, with speculations of her as a potential presidential contender in 2028. Her prior experience includes representing a competitive House district before securing a Senate seat in Michigan, despite Trump winning the state.
Following Trump’s congressional address last year, Slotkin delivered the Democratic response, urging her party to adopt a more assertive stance against Trump’s policies.
“If I’m encouraging other people to take risk, how can I not then accept risk myself?” Slotkin remarked, underscoring her commitment to confronting the challenges head-on. “I think you’ve got to show people that we’re not going to lay down and take it.”
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