A growing number of veterans have flocked to the office of Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) since a video surfaced showing her and five other Democratic lawmakers advising service members that they could refuse illegal orders from President Donald Trump.
The six lawmakers, all veterans themselves, released the video in an effort to reassure military personnel that their rights are protected. The backlash against the group has been swift, with Trump calling them "traitors" and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth urging Navy Secretary John Phelan to review one senator's comments in the clip.
Despite the criticism, Houlahan says she received a steady stream of supportive voicemails from veterans across the country. The messages praised her and her colleagues for standing up for military members at a time when they needed it most. Many of those calling in identified themselves as veterans themselves, including Marine vets, infantry vets, and even descendants of World War I, World War II, Vietnam, and Korea.
"I am not a constituent," one veteran said. "I am a veteran." Another caller expressed gratitude for Houlahan's comments, saying they were right on the money. Several others thanked her for standing firmly with military members and assured her that she has their support.
The White House, however, dismissed the lawmakers' concerns as unfounded. In a statement, White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said there had been no unlawful orders given by Trump or the Pentagon, and that Democrats like Houlahan were unable to list any examples of such orders when asked.
However, Houlahan disagrees, saying that President Trump is using the FBI as a tool to intimidate and harass members of Congress. She reiterated her commitment to standing up for military members and honoring the Constitution, even in the face of opposition from the president and his allies.
The controversy has sparked a wider debate about the role of military personnel in refusing orders from their superiors, particularly in cases where those orders may be seen as unlawful or unjust. While some have praised Houlahan's stance as courageous and patriotic, others have criticized her for putting party politics above national security concerns.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether Houlahan's support will continue to grow among veterans and other Americans who value her commitment to standing up for those who serve.
The six lawmakers, all veterans themselves, released the video in an effort to reassure military personnel that their rights are protected. The backlash against the group has been swift, with Trump calling them "traitors" and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth urging Navy Secretary John Phelan to review one senator's comments in the clip.
Despite the criticism, Houlahan says she received a steady stream of supportive voicemails from veterans across the country. The messages praised her and her colleagues for standing up for military members at a time when they needed it most. Many of those calling in identified themselves as veterans themselves, including Marine vets, infantry vets, and even descendants of World War I, World War II, Vietnam, and Korea.
"I am not a constituent," one veteran said. "I am a veteran." Another caller expressed gratitude for Houlahan's comments, saying they were right on the money. Several others thanked her for standing firmly with military members and assured her that she has their support.
The White House, however, dismissed the lawmakers' concerns as unfounded. In a statement, White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said there had been no unlawful orders given by Trump or the Pentagon, and that Democrats like Houlahan were unable to list any examples of such orders when asked.
However, Houlahan disagrees, saying that President Trump is using the FBI as a tool to intimidate and harass members of Congress. She reiterated her commitment to standing up for military members and honoring the Constitution, even in the face of opposition from the president and his allies.
The controversy has sparked a wider debate about the role of military personnel in refusing orders from their superiors, particularly in cases where those orders may be seen as unlawful or unjust. While some have praised Houlahan's stance as courageous and patriotic, others have criticized her for putting party politics above national security concerns.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether Houlahan's support will continue to grow among veterans and other Americans who value her commitment to standing up for those who serve.
some ppl got a problem with reps like chrissy houlahan standing up 4 their values & for the people who served ... it's not about party politics, it's about doing whats right 
meanwhile, trump's just trying to intimidate ppl & use the FBI as his own personal tool 
gotta give props to these vets & reps for having the courage to speak out 
it's so refreshing to see someone in power standing up for what's right instead of playing politics with people's lives 
let's give Rep Houlahan a round of applause for being a hero to our nation's heroes 
The man's been known to stir up controversy and drama wherever he goes. I'm glad to see some people, especially veterans themselves, standing up for what they believe in... it's about time someone did 
honestly though - what's good with politicians telling us that they're gonna stand up for the military but still get roasted by Trump? 
but for real though, can we please have a convo about what's considered an "unlawful order" vs just a disagreement with someone's stance? 
she's being super brave by standing up for military members & their rights 
I mean, can you blame her? If Trump is using the FBI to intimidate Congressfolk, that's a big deal! 
It's not like she's asking them to defy the law or anything... just questioning the president's motives 
and making sure those who serve are protected 
as a fellow American & ex-military myself, I think it's awesome that veterans are rallying around her 
! Like, she's speaking truth to power and standing up for our veterans at a time when they need it most 
. These guys have put themselves on the line for our country, and now they deserve our protection and respect 
. Houlahan is right to stand her ground, even if it means going against the White House - she's not afraid of standing up for what's right 
. But one thing's for sure: Rep Houlahan is a true hero and an inspiration to us all 
. I'm rooting for her 100% and hoping that her message of support for veterans will keep spreading 
like she got totally roasted by trump & co, but she stil gets so much love from vets 
. those voicemails from vets r priceless tho - one guy even said he was a vet himself & didn't care if he was rep'ing Houlahan or not 
even when it gets tough 
because they're just standing up for what's right! 
I'm getting CHILLS thinking about it... I wish more people would speak out like her. Anyway, I guess the White House is saying there were no unlawful orders given by Trump or the Pentagon, but I don't know about that 
Chrissy Houlahan needs a medal for her bravery, imo 
. They're not just some faceless politician; they're real people who have served our country and deserve respect. And Houlahan is showing them that respect by standing up for their rights 
.
. People are going to jump all over this without even understanding the context. Newsflash: just because you're a vet doesn't mean you're above the law, and neither do your elected reps. And can we please not forget that Trump is a master of stirring up drama? It's almost like he's trying to distract us from his own issues... anyway, I'm glad Rep. Houlahan is standing firm on this one. We need more people in politics who aren't afraid to speak truth to power