The White House defended remarks by President Donald Trump on Thursday, attempting to temper his suggestion that Democratic lawmakers could be punished by death for their public message urging members of the military to refuse unlawful orders.

President Trump on Thursday morning reacted to a video message from a group of Democratic lawmakers, who asked members of the military to refuse illegal orders.

"This is really bad, and Dangerous to our Country. Their words cannot be allowed to stand. SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!! LOCK THEM UP??? President DJT"

"SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!" The president wrote in a follow-up message.

During a press briefing Thursday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that the President does not want to execute members

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