Chrissy Houlahan Criticizes GOP Silence on Trump’s Sedition Claims

U.S. Representative Chrissy Houlahan expressed her deep disappointment over the lack of support from her Republican colleagues following former President Donald Trump‘s recent accusations of sedition against several Democratic lawmakers. Houlahan, a member of Congress from Chester County, Pennsylvania, stated she is “dumbfounded by the silence” from her GOP peers, who have not reached out regarding Trump’s inflammatory comments targeting six Democratic veterans.

During a town hall meeting on October 2, 2025, Houlahan addressed the issue, highlighting that since Trump’s posts on Truth Social, where he called for the arrest and trial of the veterans, not a single Republican has publicly or privately condemned his remarks. She described Trump’s rhetoric as a “call for violence” that is “not normal political discourse,” emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.

Houlahan’s remarks came in response to Trump’s assertions that the Democratic lawmakers should face severe consequences for urging military personnel to resist illegal orders. In a series of posts, Trump claimed that “not a single” Republican in Congress has reached out to him since making these statements, further exacerbating tensions within the political landscape.

While some Republicans have spoken out against Trump’s comments, their responses have been measured. Representative Brian Fitzpatrick, a former FBI agent, condemned the rhetoric without naming Trump. He stated, “This exchange is part of a deeper issue of corrosive divisiveness that helps no one and puts our entire nation at risk.” Fitzpatrick called for a reduction of incendiary language, asserting that it erodes public trust and undermines the country’s foundational principles.

House Speaker Mike Johnson also weighed in, suggesting that while he does not believe the Democrats’ actions warrant such extreme allegations, he criticized their video as irresponsible. He remarked, “Members of Congress in the Senate House should not be telling troops to disobey orders. It is dangerous.”

In a broader context, Houlahan’s concerns reflect a growing unease among lawmakers regarding the potential for political violence. During her press conference, she noted that the climate of fear and hostility could have serious ramifications for democratic governance. She stated, “As a member who has spent my entire career calling for civility and decency, I’m dumbfounded by the silence.”

The controversy was sparked by a video featuring Democratic veterans, including Houlahan and Chris Deluzio, which highlighted concerns over Trump’s military orders. Although the video did not cite any specific illegal orders, it followed debates about Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops and military operations in the Caribbean—actions some military leaders have questioned regarding legality.

Houlahan criticized Trump’s approach to military matters, indicating that Congress has not received intelligence on the strikes and that military leaders expressing concerns have been “sidelined.” She pointed out that threatening members of Congress is against the law and asked her fellow lawmakers to consider the implications of such behavior on military personnel.

The ongoing tension between Trump and Democratic lawmakers underscores the partisan divide in Congress, with calls for a more civil discourse becoming increasingly urgent. Houlahan’s call for accountability and communication among lawmakers could pave the way for more bipartisan efforts to address these escalating political tensions, especially as the nation approaches critical political events in the near future.