Just follow orders or obey the law? What US troops told us about refusing illegal commands

By: Charli Carpenter, UMass Amherst and Geraldine Santoso, UMass Amherst, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: November 21, 2025

Words: 1,667

Last Updated: 3 days, 15 hours ago

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By Charli Carpenter, UMass Amherst and Geraldine Santoso, UMass Amherst

As the Trump administration carries out what many observers say are illegal military strikes against vessels in the Caribbean allegedly smuggling drugs, six Democratic members of Congress issued a video on Nov. 18, 2025, telling the military “You can refuse illegal orders” and “You must refuse illegal orders.”

The lawmakers have all served either in the military or the intelligence community. Their message …

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