By Caitlin Yilek and Patrick Maguire
Updated on: November 25, 2025 / 7:44 PM EST / CBS News
Washington — The FBI has opened an inquiry into six Democratic members of Congress who appeared in a video last week urging service members and intelligence personnel to “refuse illegal orders,” lawmakers said.
Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan said Tuesday that the FBI’s counterterrorism division notified the lawmakers Monday night that “they are opening what appears to be an inquiry against the six of us.” According to the lawmakers, the FBI contacted the House and Senate sergeants at arms to arrange interviews.
The group includes Slotkin, Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, and Reps. Jason Crow of Colorado, Chris Deluzio of Pennsylvania, Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire and Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania. The Justice Department and FBI declined to comment.
At an event in Michigan, Slotkin called the move a “scare tactic” by President Trump and said his reaction — and use of federal agencies against perceived adversaries — was exactly why the lawmakers made the video. “He believes in using the federal government against his perceived adversaries, and he’s not afraid to use the arms of the government against people he disagrees with. He does not believe the law applies to him … which is exactly why we made the video, to give people some assurance that they weren’t alone as they watch this stuff unfold,” she said.
Four House members said Trump is “using the FBI as a tool to intimidate and harass members of Congress” and added, “No amount of intimidation or harassment will ever stop us from doing our jobs and honoring our Constitution.”
On Monday, the Pentagon said it is conducting a review of misconduct allegations against Kelly, a former U.S. Navy captain, to determine whether he should be recalled to active duty to face potential court-martial proceedings. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth asked the secretary of the Navy to complete the review by Dec. 10.
At least two Republican senators defended Kelly. Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska called accusations of treason and sedition “reckless and flat-out wrong” and questioned whether the Department of Defense and FBI had better priorities. GOP Sen. John Curtis of Utah praised Kelly’s public service and said he valued Kelly’s friendship.
Jacob Rosen contributed to this report.
