Rep. Jason Crow Accuses White House of “Outright Lying” After Leavitt Reframes Military Video
A political dispute involving Colorado Rep. Jason Crow is drawing national attention after the congressman accused White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt of “outright lying” about a video released by six Democratic lawmakers — including Crow — urging military and intelligence personnel to refuse illegal orders, a standard requirement under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
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Rocky Mountain PBS, Colorado’s statewide public broadcaster, reported that several lawmakers involved have military backgrounds and framed the video as a warning against potential abuses of presidential power. Crow, a former Army Ranger representing the Denver metro area, said the White House is mischaracterizing the message.
During a White House press briefing, Leavitt told reporters that the lawmakers had “conspired together” to encourage troops “to defy the President’s lawful orders,” a description that does not match the language used in the video. Reporting from the Los Angeles Times noted that none of the lawmakers referenced specific orders or urged defiance of lawful commands.
The dispute escalated after President Donald Trump posted on social media that the group’s actions amounted to “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH.” He urged the Justice Department to investigate — a demand legal experts say has no grounding in federal law.
Constitutional scholars and military-law specialists told TIME that U.S. troops are legally obligated to refuse manifestly illegal orders, and that publicly reminding service members of this duty does not constitute sedition or incitement.
Crow’s pushback underscores growing tension in Colorado’s congressional delegation over civil-military boundaries and presidential authority. Political analysts say the clash may influence future hearings in which Colorado lawmakers are likely to play a role, given Crow’s national-security background.
The White House has not clarified whether Leavitt misspoke or intentionally reframed the video. No federal agency has announced an investigation.