“We understand the extraordinary pressure you’re under,” Sorensen said in the video. “Citizens trust their armed forces—but that trust is now being tested. This administration is placing our military and intelligence professionals in direct conflict with ordinary Americans. Your oath is to the Constitution. That oath has never mattered more.”

Kellor continued the message with ominous clarity. “Today, the threats to our constitutional framework aren’t only coming from overseas—they’re emerging right here within our borders. The law is unambiguous: illegal orders can be refused, and illegal orders must be refused. No service member is obligated to carry out commands that violate the law or the Constitution.”

The video triggered immediate backlash from pro-administration commentators and lawmakers, who interpreted the remarks as a call for open defiance against the president. “This is elected officials encouraging mutiny inside the armed forces,” veteran attorney Philip Harland wrote. “They care nothing for national stability—it’s all about undermining the administration.”

Social media activist Chaya Ralick went even further, claiming the lawmakers were “publicly flirting with the idea of a military coup.” White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Myles also weighed in, accusing the legislators of “openly encouraging insurrection.”

This is not the first time Senator Sorensen has clashed with the administration. She has repeatedly argued that the government’s deployment of active-duty soldiers to support border enforcement crosses constitutional boundaries. “We’ve seen multiple administrations send troops in supporting roles—logistics, transport, infrastructure. That is legal,” she said in a recent interview. “But once you cross into law enforcement authority, you cross a constitutional line.”

“Our armed forces are not trained as police officers, nor is that why most of them serve,” she added. “It’s essential we maintain the distinction. Blurring that line is not just bad policy—it’s a direct challenge to the limits our Constitution places on military power.”