Pentagon Probes Sen. Mark Kelly for Advising Troops to Reject 'Illegal Orders'; Trump Calls Act 'Sedition'

Pentagon Launches Inquiry into Senator Mark Kelly Over "Illegal Orders" Video

The Pentagon has initiated a formal investigation into Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, a distinguished retired U.S. Navy fighter pilot and NASA astronaut, for potential breaches of military law. The inquiry stems from Kelly's appearance in a video alongside other Democratic lawmakers, where they encouraged active duty military and intelligence personnel to decline "illegal orders." This development escalates an already charged political atmosphere, drawing sharp criticism from former President Donald Trump.

A Direct Challenge to Authority

The controversy centers on a video released last week, featuring Senator Kelly and five other Democratic members of Congress, all with prior service in the armed forces or intelligence community. In the video, these lawmakers underscored their shared oath to the U.S. Constitution, stating, "Our laws are clear. You can refuse illegal orders." They asserted that the current administration was "pitting our uniformed military and intelligence community professionals against American citizens." Other participants included Senator Elissa Slotkin, Representatives Jason Crow, Chris Deluzio, Chrissy Houlahan, and Maggie Goodlander.

Trump's Fiery Response and White House Condemnation

Following the video's release, former President Trump took to Truth Social, labeling the action "seditious behavior" and initially suggesting it was "punishable by death." While he later clarified he wasn't issuing death threats, he reiterated his stance, proclaiming the act as "SEDITION AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL, AND SEDITION IS A MAJOR CRIME."

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt echoed concerns, stating that any incitement to "defy the chain of command, not to follow lawful orders" was "a very dangerous thing for sitting members of Congress to do." House Speaker Mike Johnson also expressed his disapproval, calling such remarks "beyond the pale."

The Pentagon's Unprecedented Move

In an official statement posted on X, the Pentagon confirmed "serious allegations of misconduct against Captain Mark Kelly, USN (Ret.)," and announced "a thorough review... to determine further actions, which may include recall to active duty for court-martial proceedings or administrative measures." Such a move against a retired officer, particularly a sitting U.S. Senator, is exceedingly rare. Military law experts, like retired Colonel Kevin Carroll and Lieutenant Colonel Mick Wagoner, have highlighted the unprecedented and "politically charged" nature of this investigation. They note that similar cases, like that of Army Col. Billy Mitchell in 1925, involved active-duty personnel, making Kelly's situation "a horse of a different kind." Concerns were also raised about Constitutional protections for speech made in official duties.

Senator Kelly's Stance

Reacting to the Pentagon's announcement, Senator Kelly stated that he learned of the investigation through a social media post from the Secretary of Defense. He also referenced Trump's online remarks, saying, "I also saw the President's posts saying I should be arrested, hanged, and put to death. If this is meant to intimidate me and other members of Congress from doing our jobs and holding this administration accountable, it won't work." Kelly, a respected figure married to former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, has a distinguished career, including combat missions as a naval aviator and four Space Shuttle missions as a NASA astronaut.

The investigation underscores the intense political divisions and the complex interplay between military law, civilian governance, and constitutional rights in the nation's capital.