The White House gaggle on Monday was nothing short of seismic for anyone who believes in law, order, and the chain of command. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stood outside the briefing room and confirmed the Pentagon has opened a formal review after Democratic lawmakers released a video telling troops they “can refuse illegal orders,” a move the Defense Department says could undermine military discipline.
Make no mistake: reminding our uniformed men and women to follow the law is appropriate, but publicly encouraging active-duty service members to defy orders is reckless and dangerous when offered as partisan theater. The video featured several Democratic lawmakers with military or intelligence backgrounds, and the Pentagon’s statement made clear that the department will review whether the remarks interfered with loyalty, morale, or good order and discipline.
Americans who have served know the chain of command is the backbone of our national defense, and sending mixed messages from elected officials in uniform or claiming the mantle of military authority for political ends invites chaos. The investigation could include recalling a retired officer to active duty for possible court-martial or administrative measures if warranted, a reminder that service and responsibility come with consequences.
At the same time, the White House used the gaggle to announce a major court development: a federal judge tossed indictments against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James because the prosecutor who brought the charges was found to have been unlawfully appointed. The ruling dismissed the cases without addressing the underlying facts, and the Department of Justice has signaled it will appeal.
Conservatives who have watched the weaponization of the justice system over the last decade should welcome an appeal and full scrutiny — not to protect public officials from consequences, but to ensure prosecutions are lawful, above-board, and free from political shortcuts. If the prior administration’s political appointees tried to shield allies with backroom maneuvers, we must insist on transparency and proper process as the DOJ moves forward.
The Leavitt gaggle also delivered hopeful but contested news on Ukraine: the White House claims negotiators worked through a 28-point framework and that the “vast majority” of points have been agreed upon in talks in Geneva. While the press secretary presented this as real progress toward ending an awful, four-year war, Ukraine and European partners have voiced legitimate concerns about language and sovereignty that must be respected as talks proceed.
Patriots who want peace should cheer any honest effort to end hostilities, but we must be skeptical of deals that shortchange Ukrainian sovereignty or are drafted without full, public scrutiny. The administration says it’s pressing for a fair, durable settlement that benefits both sides while protecting American interests — opponents who scream “appeasement” may simply be angling to profit from perpetual conflict, and that’s exactly the type of Washington racket real Americans are sick of.
Finally, the president reported a productive call with Chinese leader Xi Jinping — calling it “very good” and saying he accepted an invitation to visit Beijing in April — a diplomatic opening that, if managed from strength, can deliver real benefits on trade and fentanyl interdiction for American farmers and families. It’s commonsense to pursue deals that help our people while keeping national security front and center; conservatives should back smart diplomacy that produces results, not ritual lecturing.
This gaggle made clear the new administration is moving on multiple fronts: defending the military’s cohesion, challenging politicized prosecutions, and pressing for an end to endless wars through negotiation instead of permanent warfare profiteering. The lesson for hardworking Americans is simple — accountability, strength, and results over excuses, corruption, and chaos — and any leader who delivers those things should have our support as they clean up the mess left behind.
