Military as a “Check” on Trump? — What’s Going On in Washington

Advanced | December 11, 2025

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Why This Statement by a Democrat Is Making Headlines

Swalwell’s Initial Claim

On November 25, 2025, Representative Eric Swalwell (D‑Calif.) told a TV interviewer that some U.S. military service members have told him they see themselves as a potential “check” on Donald J. Trump — meaning they could act to stop him, if needed. (Fox News)

The Lawmakers’ Video Message

Swalwell’s comments follow a controversial video released by six Democratic lawmakers urging U.S. troops to refuse any “illegal orders.” The group included Senator Mark Kelly, Representative Elissa Slotkin, and others with military or intelligence backgrounds. (Fox News)

“Non‑Controversial” or Not?

In that video, the lawmakers said service members have a constitutional responsibility to disobey unlawful directives. Kelly later described the message as “non‑controversial,” reinforcing that troops already receive training about refusing illegal orders. (The Guardian)

Private Reactions From Troops

Swalwell claimed many service members have echoed the message privately, telling him they believe that — even if other institutions fail — the military’s integrity might “save us.” This idea, suggesting a military check on Trump, has fueled debate about civil‑military boundaries.” (Fox News)

The Pushback and Why It Matters

Concerns Over Civilian Control

Critics across the political spectrum warn that messaging focused on the military as a guardian over elected officials risks undermining civilian control of the armed forces, a foundational U.S. democratic principle. Some Republicans labeled the lawmakers the “Seditious Six,” arguing the video could itself incite disobedience. (Time)

Trump’s Response

Former President Trump called the video “seditious behavior” and said such actions should face harsh punishment. (AP News)

Pentagon & FBI Interest

Meanwhile, the Pentagon opened a preliminary review into whether any military regulations were violated by the lawmakers’ messaging, especially regarding political influence on active-duty troops. (Politico)

Federal Concerns

Reuters also reported that the FBI has scheduled interviews with several of the lawmakers involved to assess whether national security concerns were implicated. (Reuters)

What’s at Stake — Understanding the Military Check on Trump Debate

Risks to Constitutional Balance

If military personnel begin seeing themselves as a final safeguard against elected leaders — rather than strictly subordinate to civilian authority — it could destabilize the constitutional balance between branches of government.

Potential Precedent

Critics warn this could set a precedent where troops interpret political disputes as constitutional crises, eroding trust and creating uncertainty about who ultimately holds decision-making power.

Supporters’ Perspective

Supporters of the lawmakers argue they were simply reinforcing existing military ethics training and reminding service members of their oath to defend the Constitution — not proposing a formal military check on Trump. and reminding service members of their oath to defend the Constitution, not any individual leader.

Broader Implications

This debate highlights deeper anxieties about institutional trust, political polarization, and how far preventative messaging should go before it risks unintended consequences.

Vocabulary

Check (noun) – a limit or control preventing someone from having too much power.
Example: “The courts act as a check on executive authority.”
Oath (noun) – a formal, binding promise.
Example: “Service members take an oath to defend the Constitution.”
Unlawful (adjective) – not permitted by law.
Example: “Troops must refuse unlawful orders.”
Constitutional (adjective) – consistent with the Constitution.
Example: “They debated whether the proposal was constitutional.”
Sedition (noun) – speech or actions encouraging rebellion against authority.
Example: “The video drew accusations of sedition from some critics.”
Civil‑military relations (noun) – the relationship between civilian government and military leadership.
Example: “Healthy civil‑military relations are essential for stability.”
Integrity (noun) – moral soundness; honesty.
Example: “Swalwell said troops’ integrity might ‘save us.’”
Backlash (noun) – a strong, negative reaction.
Example: “The video generated widespread backlash.”
Democracy (noun) – government by the people or their representatives.
Example: “Critics feared the comments could undermine democracy.”
Instability (noun) – a state of unpredictability or insecurity.
Example: “Public disputes between institutions can create instability.”

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

Why did Eric Swalwell say the military could act as a “check” on President Trump?
What were the main criticisms of the video urging troops to refuse illegal orders?
Why might the Pentagon or the FBI review the lawmakers’ actions?
How does this situation affect civil‑military relations in the U.S.?
What are the risks of suggesting that the military may intervene in political disputes?

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

Should elected officials publicly address the military about political issues? Why or why not?
Who should determine whether an order is unlawful — courts, Congress, or military leadership?
What might happen if troops start interpreting political messages as directives?
How do other democracies handle civil‑military boundaries?
What safeguards help keep the military non‑political?

Related Idiom

“Walking a tightrope” — taking a risky action where a small mistake could cause serious trouble.
Example: “Calling on the military to be a constitutional check is like walking a tightrope — the intention might be noble, but the risks are high.”

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This article was inspired by: Fox News, Reuters, AP News, The Guardian, Politico, Time.