Trump’s Sedition Accusation Sparks GOP Silence, Houlahan Reacts

U.S. Representative Chrissy Houlahan expressed deep disappointment over the silence from her Republican colleagues following accusations of sedition made by former President Donald Trump. Houlahan, a Democrat from Chester County, remarked that she was “dumbfounded” by the lack of outreach from GOP members regarding Trump’s inflammatory comments aimed at six Democratic veterans, including herself and Chris Deluzio.

During a town hall meeting in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, on October 2, 2025, Houlahan articulated her concerns about a string of posts made by Trump on Truth Social. The former president claimed that not a single Republican in Congress had contacted him “either publicly or privately” since he posted his accusations. Trump called for the arrest and trial of Democratic lawmakers for alleged sedition, an action that Houlahan described as “an explicit embrace of political violence against the opposition.”

“No Republican member has condemned this call for violence, not publicly, not privately,” Houlahan stated emphatically. Her comments reflect a broader concern among veteran lawmakers about the deterioration of political discourse in the United States.

In a notable response, Brian Fitzpatrick, a Republican congressman and former FBI agent, condemned Trump’s rhetoric, asserting that such divisive language undermines public trust and jeopardizes national integrity. He emphasized, “This exchange is part of a deeper issue of corrosive divisiveness that helps no one and puts our entire nation at risk.” Although Fitzpatrick did not mention Trump by name, he made clear his opposition to the former president’s comments.

House Speaker Mike Johnson addressed the situation by stating he did not believe the six Democrats involved committed “crimes punishable by death,” but he criticized their video as irresponsible. Johnson added, “Members of Congress in the Senate House should not be telling troops to disobey orders. It is dangerous.”

The video that fueled Trump’s outrage, while not directly accusing him of illegal orders, encouraged military personnel to resist any such directives. This follows ongoing debates about the legality of Trump’s actions regarding the National Guard and military strikes in the Caribbean, which he claims are necessary to combat drug trafficking from Venezuela.

Houlahan, who has served in the military, highlighted the potential implications of Trump’s threats. “Put yourselves in the shoes of a young lieutenant or sergeant who’s in uniform right now watching the commander-in-chief threaten members of Congress to death for telling you to follow the law,” she stated. She also underscored concerns that military leaders had been sidelined regarding the legality of military operations.

Houlahan’s call for civility in political discourse has resonated with some, but many Republican representatives have remained silent on the matter. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the impact of such rhetoric on military personnel and public trust will remain a topic of significant concern.

In the wake of these events, Houlahan announced a bill aimed at prohibiting the use of military force in or against Venezuela without congressional approval, indicating a commitment to ensuring that legislative processes are respected in matters of national security.