“Don’t give up the ship.” This phrase became famous when Captain James Lawrence uttered it while mortally wounded during the battle between his ship, the USS Chesapeake, and the British frigate HMS Shannon off the coast of Boston during the War of 1812.
Unfortunately for the captain, even though his phrase became legendary within the Navy, his ship was ultimately captured by the British — a fitting reminder that slogans don’t replace strategy or leadership.
Now, a group of Democrat lawmakers is trying to resurrect that same rallying cry in a glossy, minute-and-a-half political ad urging military troops and intelligence officials to defy orders they personally decide are “illegal.” They never mention Donald Trump by name, of course, but the implication is about as subtle as a sledgehammer. We all know exactly which commander-in-chief they’re encouraging the bureaucracy to resist.
In her post on X, Slotkin said the group wanted to speak “directly” to service members, claiming “the American people need you to stand up for our laws and our Constitution.”
Kelly, a former Navy pilot, accused the Trump administration of “pitting our uniformed military and intelligence community professionals against American citizens,” echoing similar claims from Crow and Slotkin.
At several points in the video, Kelly, Slotkin, and Deluzio repeat the line: “You can refuse illegal orders. You must refuse illegal orders.”
Goodlander joined Kelly in reminding viewers that “like us, you swore an oath to protect and defend the Constitution.”No, they didn’t explicitly urge viewers to “rise up in insurrection” or “betray your country.” However, with Democratic leaders increasingly using violent language during the Trump era, along with assassination attempts on the president and the killing of Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk, it certainly does not appear that the divisive rhetoric is being toned down, despite claims to the contrary. In fact, this seems to be a recurring theme that Democrats themselves frequently mention: a dog whistle.
The group implied that the United States is under siege from a dark force within our own borders. It’s not difficult to deduce what dark force they are referring to:
Deluzio and Crow went further, warning that threats to the Constitution are coming “from right here at home,” a clear swipe at Trump.
The lawmakers acknowledged they were asking troops to make difficult judgments during what they called a “hard” moment for public servants.V
Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania has ignited a political firestorm after delivering a blunt and unexpected message that has left many in the Democratic Party reeling. Known for his outspoken style, Fetterman has never shied away from challenging party orthodoxy, but his latest remarks represent one of his most dramatic breaks yet—shocking supporters and critics alike.
In a series of recent interviews, Fetterman placed direct blame on his own party for the ongoing federal government shutdown, calling it a failure of Democratic leadership and a betrayal of core values. He argued that millions of Americans, including families dependent on SNAP benefits, have been left vulnerable because his party failed to prevent the shutdown. “The Democrats need to own this,” he said emphatically, adding that the situation was “deeply distressing” and entirely avoidable.
Fetterman went even further, offering a rare apology on behalf of Democratic lawmakers and admitting that the party had “failed to get its act together.” He emphasized that shutting down the government should never be used as a political weapon and warned that ordinary citizens, not politicians, pay the real price when Washington descends into gridlock. His unusually candid tone, including moments of visible frustration, underscored the seriousness with which he views the crisis.
The senator’s comments have intensified growing concerns within the Democratic establishment about his independent streak and evolving political identity. Once hailed as a progressive rising star, Fetterman has, in recent months, distanced himself from the left wing of his party and adopted an increasingly unpredictable profile. Some Democrats now see him as a maverick who is willing to challenge long-standing party positions, while others view his transformation as a concerning shift that undermines party unity.
His critiques have not been limited to policy. Fetterman has also spoken out against what he describes as the toxic culture of political discourse in Washington. He has refused to use extreme labels or personal insults against political opponents, insisting that such tactics demonstrate a loss of moral clarity. Instead, he has signaled a willingness to work across the aisle if it means securing meaningful outcomes for Pennsylvania families.
While his boldness has earned him admiration from voters who appreciate his authenticity, it has also triggered frustration among Democrats who accuse him of giving ammunition to political adversaries at a critical moment. Some party members have quietly questioned his judgment, pointing to recent concerns about his health and the pressure he has faced since taking office. Others worry that his break with the party could deepen existing divisions at a time when unity is crucial.
Despite the backlash, Fetterman remains unapologetic. He insists his remarks come from a place of principle, not political gamesmanship. “I didn’t come to Washington to play along,” he said. “I came here to fight for people who don’t have a voice.”
As the shutdown continues and tensions rise, Fetterman’s bombshell announcement has forced the Democratic Party to confront uncomfortable questions about its direction, discipline, and internal cohesion. Whether his words spark meaningful change or further turmoil remains uncertain—but the impact of his statement is already being felt throughout the political landscape.