Morning Joe ‘Trying to distract’: Joe slams Trump for accusing Democrats of sedition ‘punishable by death’
8 snips
Nov 21, 2025 Retired Lieutenant General Mark Hertling, a former U.S. Army officer and military law expert, joins to discuss the serious implications of Trump's incendiary comments about Democrats. Hertling emphasizes the military's duty to refuse illegal orders, highlighting the importance of the constitutional oath. The conversation turns to the dangers of political rhetoric, referencing past events like January 6. They also unpack Trump's attempts to distract from pressing issues with extreme claims, while noting the potential consequences of such inflammatory language.
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Clarify Orders Before Acting
- Mark Hertling advises commanders to question and clarify orders they believe may be illegal before executing them.
- He describes consulting JAG and raising concerns with bosses as standard and necessary practice.
Campaign Claims That Crossed Legal Lines
- Mark Hertling recounts publicly criticizing campaign statements advocating illegal acts like stealing oil or killing families of terrorists.
- He labeled those proposals illegal under laws of land warfare.
Video Urged Upholding The Oath, Not Disobedience
- The Democratic video urged service members to refuse illegal orders, emphasizing legal and constitutional obligations.
- The panel notes critics misrepresent that message as encouraging disobedience in general.
