Grand Jury Delivers Major Rebuke to Trump Administration by Rejecting Indictment of Democratic Lawmakers

A federal grand jury in Washington D.C. has refused to bring criminal charges against a group of Democratic lawmakers who released a video advising military personnel to refuse illegal orders. The decision serves as a significant legal setback for the Trump administration's efforts to prosecute political opponents under allegations of seditious behavior and military interference.

By: AXL Media

Published: Feb 14, 2026, 10:24 AM EST

Source: This report is a comprehensive analysis based on data originally documented by Vox and the Associated Press

Federal Prosecutors Fail to Secure Charges

On February 10, 2026, a 20 person federal grand jury at the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia declined to sign off on criminal indictments sought by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro. The Justice Department had been pursuing charges against six Democratic lawmakers who appeared in a 90 second video in November 2025. In the footage, the lawmakers, all of whom have military or intelligence backgrounds, reminded service members of their constitutional duty to disobey orders that are patently unlawful.

The prosecution reportedly attempted to charge the group with a felony for allegedly interfering with the loyalty, morale, or discipline of the United States military. However, the grand jury found no probable cause for the claims, marking a rare and stinging defeat for the administration in the nation's capital. This rejection follows a pattern of grand jury rebuffs in D.C. and Virginia involving other high profile political figures targeted by the current Justice Department.

Lawmakers Targeted for "Seditious Behavior"

The investigation was heavily influenced by public rhetoric from President Donald Trump, who labeled the lawmakers' actions as "SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR" and suggested on social media that the offense was "punishable by death." The lawmakers targeted in the failed indictment include:

Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-Michigan), a former CIA analyst.