Grand Jury Rejects Trump Administration's Attempt to Indict Six Democratic Lawmakers
In a significant legal rebuke, a grand jury formally declined on Tuesday to indict six Democratic members of Congress after the Justice Department under President Donald Trump sought charges against them. The lawmakers—Senator Elissa Slotkin of Michigan and Representatives Chris Deluzio of Pennsylvania, Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire, Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania, and Jason Crow of Colorado—had participated in a video last year reminding active U.S. military service members that they can and must refuse illegal orders.
Schiff Condemns 'Frontal Assault on the Rule of Law'
Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), discussing the development on MSNBC's "Last Word" with host Lawrence O'Donnell, expressed shock at the administration's actions. "They sought to indict six members of Congress," Schiff stated. "It is just such a shock to see the rule of law so betrayed, so utterly betrayed. If we look at this period in the future and the milestones on the road to dictatorship, this is a big one."
Schiff emphasized the danger of this move, arguing that the Department of Justice, under U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, was "no doubt acting under the instructions" of Trump when pursuing the indictments. He described it as a "frontal assault on the rule of law" and highlighted the misuse of the Justice Department in a "blatant fashion."
Video Echoed Military Code, Lawmakers Are Veterans
The controversial video, which featured the six lawmakers—all veterans—taking turns speaking, appeared to merely echo the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Specifically, Article 92 states that service members will be punished if they fail "to obey any lawful order," implying that illegal orders need not be followed. Despite this, Trump had previously suggested the remarks were "seditious" and "punishable by DEATH!"
Schiff noted that the grand jury's rejection of the charges is "very significant because that's so unusual." However, he cautioned that this should not overshadow the "lawlessness of what they tried to do." He added, "The fact they tried, though, is a five-alarm fire."
Broader Pattern of Failed Indictments Under Trump
Tuesday's failed indictment marks the latest example of a grand jury declining to back charges brought by the Trump administration against individuals who have angered the president. Schiff applauded the grand jury's decision, saying their blunder "should be applauded," but reiterated the seriousness of the attempt.
O'Donnell read a statement from one of the lawmakers, Kelly, condemning "Trump and his lackeys" for trying to criminally charge him for saying something "that they didn't like." Schiff, who has also been investigated by Trump's DOJ, expressed solidarity with the veterans and colleagues targeted.
Schiff's Blunt Response and Call for Courage
When asked what he would do if the DOJ asked him to present this case to procure an indictment, Schiff replied bluntly: "I would have said, 'Hell no, I quit.'" He directed harsh criticism at top Trump officials, including Bondi and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, stating, "I know they won't, but they should be completely ashamed of themselves. It's just disgraceful conduct."
Schiff concluded with a call to action, urging prosecutors to refuse baseless cases. "I think any prosecutor asked to bring baseless cases like this needs to do their civic duty and say, 'I won't do it,' and be willing to be fired or quit," he said. "Because we all need to show that courage that the grand jury showed and that others have demonstrated in standing up to this president who wants to be a dictator."
