CNN host Abby Phillip engaged in a tense on-air confrontation with conservative activist Terry Schilling this past Saturday, demanding a direct answer about former President Donald Trump's recent social media posts that suggested sedition by Democratic lawmakers was "punishable by DEATH!"
A Heated Exchange on CNN
During a segment on "CNN Saturday Morning Table for Five," Phillip challenged Schilling on the acceptability of Trump's comments. "Why on Earth are comments like these acceptable to you?" she asked, referencing the former president's suggestion that Democratic veterans in Congress had engaged in seditious behavior.
Schilling, defending Trump, argued that sedition is a "lawful process" requiring a trial and conviction. He claimed Trump was "not encouraging people" to commit political violence, despite the former president's social media spree on Thursday that directly contradicted this assertion.
The Context: A Democratic Video and Trump's Response
The controversy stems from a video published on Tuesday by a group of Democratic lawmakers, all with military or intelligence backgrounds. The officials, including Sens. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan and Mark Kelly of Arizona, and Reps. Chris Deluzio of Pennsylvania, Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire, Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania, and Jason Crow of Colorado, reminded military members that they can "refuse illegal orders."
In response, Trump decried this as "SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR" and endorsed a post stating it was "punishable by DEATH!"
A Refusal to Answer Directly
When Phillip repeatedly asked Schilling if he believed the Democrats' video constituted sedition, he avoided a direct response, instead labeling the lawmakers as "fascists" and accusing Democrats of weaponizing the government.
"It is a yes or no question!" Phillip exclaimed after multiple evasive answers. Schilling continued to deflect, questioning why the video was necessary if everyone in the military already knows to follow the law. Phillip cut him off, stating, "I'm just saying you're not willing to say 'yes' or 'no,' because it's very obvious that the answer is no."
Schilling, the head of the American Principles Project, remained unwavering in his indirectness, ultimately complaining that the Democrats were "calling for the military to undermine the commander in chief."
