Leavitt Defends Trump Over 'Punishable By Death' Posts
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Washington, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended President Donald Trump's social media posts this week on Thursday after he reposted comments calling Democratic lawmakers' video urging service members to refuse unlawful orders 'seditious' and 'punishable by death.' Leavitt characterized the lawmakers' video as encouraging service members to defy lawful orders and emphasized preserving the military chain of command during a Thursday briefing. Reporters asked whether the president sought executions; Leavitt denied that he did while repeating criticism of the lawmakers. The episode prompted widespread media coverage and condemnations from Democratic leaders. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.
More context
Timeline
- 1. A group of six Democratic lawmakers released a video urging service members to refuse unlawful orders.
- 2. President Trump reposted online comments labeling the video 'seditious' and stated it was 'punishable by death.'
- 3. Reporters at a White House briefing questioned Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt about the president's posts and whether executions were intended.
- 4. Leavitt denied that the president sought executions and emphasized the perceived threat to chain of command.
- 5. Multiple national outlets covered the exchange and Democratic leaders condemned the president's social media language.
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