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.
Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.
Timeline of Events
- A group of six Democratic lawmakers released a video urging service members to refuse unlawful orders.
- President Trump reposted online comments labeling the video 'seditious' and stated it was 'punishable by death.'
- Reporters at a White House briefing questioned Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt about the president's posts and whether executions were intended.
- Leavitt denied that the president sought executions and emphasized the perceived threat to chain of command.
- Multiple national outlets covered the exchange and Democratic leaders condemned the president's social media language.
- Articles Published:
- 16
- Right Leaning:
- 3
- Left Leaning:
- 3
- Neutral:
- 10
- Distribution:
- Left 19%, Center 63%, Right 19%
Political allies of President Trump gained messaging and mobilization opportunities as attention focused on Democratic lawmakers' video and the president's response.
The six Democratic lawmakers involved, civil-military norms, and institutional trust experienced reputational harm and intensified partisan scrutiny following the exchange.
Coverage of Story:
From Left
Leavitt Melts Down Over Trump's Threat to Execute Lawmakers
DNyuz The Daily Beast HuffPostFrom Center
Leavitt Defends Trump Over 'Punishable By Death' Posts
dailycallernewsfoundation.org KTBS WSFL Yahoo Yahoo News Yahoo The New Republic The Daily Caller The New Republic Washington TimesFrom Right
Karoline Leavitt Torches Media for Not Focusing on the REAL Danger With the Dems' 'Seditious' Video
Twitchy Washington Examiner Redstate
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