MSNBC host Lawrence O’Donnell spoke with Senator Adam Schiff on “The Last Word” after a grand jury declined to indict six Democratic lawmakers over a video they released last November.
The case centered on a short video in which the lawmakers reminded active-duty U.S. service members that under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, they are required to follow lawful orders — and that they must refuse unlawful ones. The rule they referenced is clearly written in military law. Article 92 states that service members can be punished for failing to obey lawful orders. The video did not call for rebellion or disobedience in general; it focused specifically on the difference between lawful and unlawful commands.
Despite that, the Trump administration reportedly pushed for indictments, suggesting the remarks were improper and even hinting they were “seditious.” At one point, Donald Trump appeared to suggest such comments could be “punishable by death.” That language alarmed critics, who saw it as extreme and dangerous.
The six lawmakers targeted were Senator Elissa Slotkin and Representatives Chris Deluzio, Maggie Goodlander, Chrissy Houlahan, and Jason Crow. All of them are military veterans. A grand jury ultimately refused to indict any of them.
Speaking on the show, Schiff described the attempt to charge them as shocking and deeply troubling. He said it showed a betrayal of the rule of law. In his view, if future generations look back at this period, this moment could be seen as a serious step toward authoritarian behavior. He argued that the Justice Department had been misused and weaponized in a blatant way.
Schiff also emphasized how unusual it is for a grand jury to reject charges sought by prosecutors. While he said the decision to decline the indictments should be applauded, he stressed that the fact the administration tried in the first place was alarming. He called it a “five-alarm fire,” meaning a major emergency that should concern everyone.
He went further, claiming that the Justice Department under Attorney General Pam Bondi was likely acting under instructions from Trump. Schiff described the effort as a direct attack on the rule of law. He said it is difficult to fully explain how dangerous such actions could be for a democracy.
O’Donnell also referenced comments from another lawmaker who criticized Trump and his allies for trying to criminalize speech they simply did not like. Schiff said that those being targeted by what he called a “Department of Injustice” have no intention of backing down. He said they would continue speaking out and doing their jobs, no matter the pressure.
When asked what he would do if he were a prosecutor asked to pursue such a case, Schiff answered bluntly. He said he would refuse and quit rather than bring charges he believed were baseless. He argued that prosecutors have a duty to stand up for the law, even if it costs them their jobs.
Schiff concluded by saying that officials involved in pushing the case, including Bondi and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, should feel ashamed. He said any prosecutor asked to bring unfounded charges must show courage and be willing to walk away.
For Schiff and others watching the situation, the grand jury’s refusal to indict was a sign that some guardrails still exist. But they believe the attempt itself is a warning sign about the direction of the country and the growing tension between political power and the justice system.
