Urgent Effort to Help U.S. Troops Know Their Rights
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 16, 2025
NEW CAMPAIGN LAUNCHES TO HELP U.S. TROOPS KNOW THEIR RIGHTS IF CONFRONTED WITH “ILLEGAL ORDERS”
DEFIANCE.org and Whistleblower Aid partner to inform and protect servicemembers amid mounting concerns about potentially unlawful military actions
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A new, national public awareness campaign is launching today to ensure U.S. servicemembers are prepared, protected, and empowered to obey lawful orders, refuse manifestly illegal orders, and access legal resources to know the difference.
The effort, spearheaded by DEFIANCE.org and WhistleblowerAid.org, comes on the heels of a dramatic video released by lawmakers last month, including Sen. Mark Kelly (AZ) and Sen. Elissa Slotkin (MI), reminding U.S. servicemembers they are sworn to uphold the Constitution and to refuse manifestly illegal orders.
This new campaign aims to take the next step by putting the right legal information in the hands of military personnel, including whistleblower hotlines, publicly available legal information, and access to confidential, independent support organizations, if needed. The centerpiece is a joint awareness initiative that will reach key military communities with posters, digital outreach, and billboards prompting a commitment reflected in the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
“We’re making sure troops know their rights and that they’re not alone if they’re told to cross the line,” said Miles Taylor, former DHS chief of staff under Donald Trump and co-founder of DEFIANCE.org. “The president may be the commander-in-chief, but even he is bound by the law. This campaign is a constitutional alarm bell to remind our servicemembers of that.”
“We’ve already seen reporting about military officials who believe they might have received illegal orders,” said Libby Liu, CEO of Whistleblower Aid. “They want to do the right thing, but they need confidential guidance and protection. That’s what we’re here to provide.”
The effort will first focus on military communities linked to the Trump administration’s controversial boat strikes campaign, which has involved airstrikes against alleged drug smugglers in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific. In particular, DEFIANCE.org will raise awareness among servicemembers and support personnel near U.S. Southern Command in Doral, Florida, and U.S. Special Operations Command in Tampa, Florida.
The initiative highlights legal precedents under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, which states that servicemembers must obey only lawful orders and refuse manifestly illegal orders, including those that violate the Constitution or direct the commission of a crime.
The campaign page is at www.DEFIANCE.org/troops, with information about lawful reporting options and access to independent legal resources at www.NoUnlawfulOrders.org.
At launch, the campaign includes:
Geo-targeted public service announcements, online and via social media;
Billboards near key U.S. military installations;
Information about confidential, independent support available through Whistleblower Aid, a trusted nonprofit that offers legal intake and case support for servicemembers and government officials; and
A volunteer-driven push to distribute information in military communities nationwide.
“Senator Kelly and his colleagues sent a powerful message with their ‘refuse illegal orders’ video,” Taylor said. “This is the next step — a war chest of legal resources for those who need it.”
The groups say the campaign is not about partisanship but is rooted in longstanding constitutional principles that transcend political parties and presidencies.
“If you’ve taken an oath to the Constitution, that oath comes first,” Liu added. “And we’re here to make sure you can live up to it, safely and lawfully.”
ABOUT
DEFIANCE.org is a club for courageous Americans who want to know, "WHAT CAN I DO?" Each month, we give Members options to defy the Trump administration’s abuses of power, including supporting remarkable groups across America committed to upholding the Constitution and democratic norms. Then we take action, together. Become a Member at DEFIANCE.org.
WhistleblowerAid.org is a legal non-profit with the deep know-how to support whistleblowers who have crucial, and often highly sensitive information, to disclose in the public’s interest. We keep our clients and their families safe, ensure that they operate within the law, protect them from retaliation, and provide wrap-around services no other nonprofit or law firm offers.
CONTACTS
Press inquiries: press@defiance.org | press@whistlebloweraid.org
Website: www.defiance.org | www.whistlebloweraid.org
