Podcast Summary: Letters from an American

Host: Heather Cox Richardson
Episode: November 20, 2025
Release Date: November 22, 2025

Overview

In this powerful episode, Heather Cox Richardson narrates the events and constitutional crises swirling around the Trump administration in November 2025. She focuses on recent incendiary statements by former President Donald Trump targeting military veteran lawmakers, their call for upholding constitutional duties within the armed forces, and the growing legal and political controversies over U.S. military actions and executive power.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Trump Targets Veteran Lawmakers (00:10–03:50)

• Incident: Trump publicly accused a group of Democratic military veterans in Congress of treason and called for them to be arrested and tried.
• Context: The alleged 'crime' was their release of a video reminding service members and intelligence officers they must refuse illegal orders—a reiteration of established law.
• Lawmakers Featured:
  • Sen. Alyssa Slotkin (MI), former CIA
  • Sen. Mark Kelly (AZ), Navy veteran
  • Reps. Chris Deluzio (PA), Navy veteran
  • Maggie Goodlander (NH), former intelligence officer
  • Chrissy Houlihan (PA), Air Force veteran
  • Jason Crow (CO), former Army Ranger
• Video Message:
  "You all swore an oath to protect and defend this Constitution. Right now, the threats to our Constitution aren't just coming from abroad, but from right here at home. Our laws are clear: You can refuse illegal orders. You must refuse illegal orders. No one has to carry out orders that violate the law or our Constitution." (Lawmakers in joint statement, 02:10)

2. Trump’s Escalating Online Rhetoric (03:50–06:00)

• Reactions:
  • Trump reposted calls online for the lawmakers to be “arrested... frog-marched... and charged with sedition.”
  • Amplified posts saying "hang them. George Washington would."
• Direct Quote:
  "Each one of these traitors to our country should be arrested and put on trial. Their words cannot be allowed to stand. We won't have a country anymore. An example must be set." (Trump, 09:08am, 05:47)
• Most Extreme Statement:
  "Seditious behavior punishable by death." (Trump, 10:21am, 06:11)

3. Legal and Historical Context (06:00–08:30)

• Legal Analysis:
  • Andy McCarthy (Fox News Legal Analyst): “There is no insurrection or sedition without the use of force. Disobeying a lawful order is insubordination, not insurrection or sedition. Disobeying an unlawful order is required. That is all.” (06:32)
• Historical Perspective:
  • Prof. Joanne Freeman: "No, George Washington wouldn't have hanged the lawmakers... He didn't want to be a king or dictator. Plus, he was in his right mind." (07:22)

4. White House Attempts Damage Control (08:30–10:00)

• White House Spokesperson:
  • Carolyn Levitt tried to shift blame, claiming the Democratic lawmakers were encouraging insubordination.
  • A reporter clarified: “Actually, they said illegal orders...” (09:00)
• Media Notable:
  • CBS Senior Correspondent Ed O’Keefe: “Trump does not want to execute members of Congress, White House says. An astonishing sentence to see coming from the government of the United States of America.” (08:00)

5. Concerns Over Military Legality & War Powers (10:00–11:20)

• Recent Strike in Venezuela:
  • Senior JAG at U.S. Southern Command questioned legality of strikes resulting in 82 deaths, raising fears of extrajudicial killings.
  • Justice Department overruled concerns.
• Congressional Reaction:
  • Bipartisan pushback against ignoring War Powers Act; deadline for authorization passed on November 2.
  • Lawmakers introduced a resolution to rein in military operations without Congressional authorization.

6. Strains in the Republican Party and Congressional Dynamics (11:20–12:00)

• Bipartisanship Emerging:
  • Republican support for transparency acts and union protections suggests Trump’s hold is slipping.
  • Trump's extreme rhetoric may be an attempt to rally wavering Republicans back to his side.

7. Courage and Constitutional Duty (12:00–12:25)

• Statement from Targeted Lawmakers:
  • “No threat, intimidation or call for violence will deter us from that sacred obligation. What's most telling is that the president considers it punishable by death for us to restate the law... Every American must unite and condemn the president's calls for our murder and political violence. This is a time for moral clarity. In these moments, fear is contagious, but so is courage. We will continue to lead and will not be intimidated. Don't give up the ship.” (Lawmakers, 12:10)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "We know you are under enormous stress and pressure right now. Americans trust their military, but that trust is at risk." (Lawmakers, 01:45)
• "You can refuse illegal orders. You must refuse illegal orders." (Lawmakers, 02:10)
• "Seditious behavior punishable by death." (Trump, 10:21am, 06:11)
• "No, George Washington wouldn't have hanged the lawmakers... He didn't want to be a king or dictator. Plus, he was in his right mind." (Prof. Joanne Freeman, 07:22)
• "Every American must unite and condemn the president's calls for our murder and political violence. This is a time for moral clarity. In these moments, fear is contagious, but so is courage." (Lawmakers, 12:10)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:10 — Trump accuses veteran lawmakers of treason
• 02:10 — Lawmakers’ video message on refusing illegal orders
• 05:47 — Trump escalates rhetoric: “An example must be set.”
• 06:11 — Trump: “Seditious behavior punishable by death.”
• 06:32 — Andy McCarthy: legal distinction on insubordination and sedition
• 07:22 — Joanne Freeman: George Washington reference
• 08:00 — Ed O’Keefe: “An astonishing sentence...”
• 09:00 — Press Secretary Levitt challenged on “illegal orders”
• 10:00 — Legal controversy over Venezuela strikes
• 12:10 — Lawmakers’ joint response and call for courage

Tone & Style

Richardson’s narration is urgent, historical, and analytical, retaining clarity in presenting facts, quoting primary sources, and providing relevant historical context. The tone reflects escalating stakes and the seriousness of constitutional norms under threat.

For more, visit heathercoxrichardson.substack.com