WASHINGTON — Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin sharply condemned the Trump administration’s Justice Department after a federal grand jury declined to indict her and several fellow Democratic lawmakers over a controversial video that urged U.S. military and intelligence members to refuse illegal orders.
The grand jury in Washington, D.C. refused to approve indictments sought by prosecutors, a move that both Slotkin and her colleagues hailed as a vindication of free speech and the rule of law. Slotkin described the indictment attempt as something that “should’ve never happened,” emphasizing that it represented a dangerous misuse of the justice system.
The case stems from a 90-second video released last November, in which Slotkin, Senators Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) and four Democratic House members – Jason Crow (D-Colo.), Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.), Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.) and Maggie Goodlander (D-N.H.) – reminded current and former service members that they are obligated under the Uniform Code of Military Justice to refuse unlawful orders.
The video sparked a fierce backlash from President Donald Trump and his allies, who labeled the message “seditious behavior” and publicly called for the lawmakers to be investigated, arrested, and even punished severely. Prosecutors led by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro attempted to convince a federal grand jury to indict the legislators on charges relating to interfering with military loyalty or morale, but the jurors declined to do so.
In a statement on social media platform X, Slotkin said that anonymous jurors upheld the rule of law by refusing to move forward with the indictment. She described the effort as a “politicized investigation” and expressed hope that this marks an end to what she called the weaponization of the justice system against political opponents.
“It was a grand jury of anonymous American citizens who upheld the rule of law and determined this case should not proceed,” Slotkin wrote. “Hopefully, this ends this politicized investigation for good.”
Slotkin also criticized Republican leaders who supported the DOJ’s actions. At a press conference, she doubled down on her stance that elected officials should not face criminal charges for exercising free speech and fulfilling their constitutional duties. Senator Mark Kelly echoed her sentiment, vowing that they would not be intimidated and that their legal options remain open should the Justice Department attempt further action.
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have reacted to the failed indictment. Some Republicans argued that if laws were broken they should be enforced, but many Democrats called the attempt a threat to democratic norms and free expression.
The grand jury’s decision not to indict Slotkin and her colleagues comes amid broader scrutiny of the Justice Department’s role under the Trump administration. Critics have accused Trump and his allies of using prosecutorial powers to target political adversaries, while supporters of the DOJ’s actions argue that lawmakers should be held accountable if they undermine military discipline.
For Slotkin, the ruling reaffirmed her belief that political speech — even controversial — remains protected. She emphasized that defending constitutional rights will continue to be a priority, not just for her, but for others who fear legal retaliation for speaking out.
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