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D.C. Grand Jury Rejects Charges Over Democrats’ ‘Illegal Orders’ Video

Prosecutors face higher hurdles to revive the case after the setback.

Overview

  • A Washington, D.C. grand jury declined to authorize an indictment tied to a video by six Democratic members of Congress.
  • The group, including Senators Mark Kelly and Elissa Slotkin, had urged U.S. service members to refuse illegal orders in a message released in November 2025.
  • Justice Department prosecutors had explored charges on the grounds that the video undermined military morale and discipline, according to media reports.
  • Kelly and Slotkin praised the decision, with Kelly calling the effort to prosecute an outrageous abuse of power by President Donald Trump.
  • Pentagon proceedings that could affect Kelly’s retirement benefits are ongoing as he sues the department, and reports indicate prosecutors could try again before a grand jury but would face higher legal barriers.