Vance claps back at Slotkin over reversal on alleged ‘illegal’ military orders

Published November 23, 2025 4:49pm ET



Vice President JD Vance fired back at Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) after she appeared to contradict an earlier statement she made, specifically that U.S. service members should “refuse illegal orders” from President Donald Trump.

Slotkin was asked on Sunday whether she believed Trump had actually issued any unlawful military orders, to which she responded in the negative, though she added that “certainly there are some legal gymnastics … going on with these Caribbean strikes and everything related to Venezuela.”

Already a print subscriber? Click here to login/register your account

Trusted reporting.Unlimited access.

Subscribe for full access to Washington Examiner coverage, expert political analysis, and subscriber-only journalism.

Get Unlimited Access

Already a member? Log in

Cancel anytime.