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Indian American Lawmakers slam Trump’s call to hang democrats
The lawmakers warned that the President’s remarks risk normalising political violence.
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Malvika Choudhary - Thu, 20, Nov 2025
- 15:59 EST
- 23
(L-R) Pramila Jayapal, Donald Trump, Shri Thanedar / File Photo
Indian American lawmakers criticized President Donald Trump after he declared on Truth Social that “seditious behavior” is “punishable by DEATH” and amplified the call to hang such “seditious” lawmakers.
The comments triggered immediate alarm among Democrats who have recently faced threats of political violence.
Representative Pramila Jayapal referenced earlier threats against her while denouncing the President’s language.
“A Republican state lawmaker from Arizona called for me to be hanged in September. Now, Trump is saying Democratic members of Congress should be hanged,” she wrote.
“This is not a joke. These calls for political violence are completely unacceptable and they must stop now,” she added.
A Republican state lawmaker from Arizona called for me to be hanged in September.
— Rep. Pramila Jayapal (@RepJayapal) November 20, 2025
Now, Trump is saying Democratic members of Congress should be hanged.
This is not a joke. These calls for political violence are completely unacceptable and they must stop now. pic.twitter.com/o2IYb3GVv9
Michigan Congressman Shri Thanedar also condemned the remarks, describing them as another instance of extremist rhetoric directed at political opponents. “This is unhinged,” he posted, adding that he does not want to hear “MAGA mention violent rhetoric ever again.”
This is unhinged. I don't want to hear MAGA mention violent rhetoric ever again pic.twitter.com/4ABXxw7WRv
— Congressman Shri Thanedar (@RepShriThanedar) November 20, 2025
The backlash followed President Trump’s reaction to a video released by six Democratic congress members—Elissa Slotkin of Michigan, Mark Kelly of Arizona, Jason Crow of Colorado, Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire, Chris Deluzio of Pennsylvania and Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania—all of whom have military or intelligence-service backgrounds.
In the video, the lawmakers advised U.S. service members to refuse illegal orders and reaffirm their oath to the Constitution. Trump labelled their message “traitorous,” reposted a supporter’s call to “HANG THEM,” and asserted their conduct amounted to sedition deserving the death penalty.
The video did not identify any specific unlawful order, but the exchange comes amid an intensifying debate over presidential authority, military roles and the boundaries of lawful obedience.
Congressional leadership has recently engaged security agencies amid rising reports of threats to lawmakers — particularly women and lawmakers of colour.
The postelection escalation of violent rhetoric from high-profile figures has added to concerns about the safety of members of Congress and the overall health of democratic norms.
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