Pentagon Investigates Arizona Senator Over Military Video
The Pentagon has launched an investigation into Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona, a former Navy pilot, following his appearance in a controversial video urging military personnel to reject “illegal orders.” This has sparked an unusual situation where the Department of Defense is considering recalling a retired service member for potential court-martial, a rare occurrence involving a sitting member of Congress.
On Monday, the Pentagon’s statement referenced a federal statute that permits retired service members to be recalled for active duty should the defense secretary see fit, potentially leading to court-martial or other actions. The statement was made public via social media and comes amid heightened tensions following former President Donald Trump’s incendiary accusations of sedition against the lawmakers involved in the video.
The video, featuring Kelly alongside five other Democratic lawmakers with military or intelligence backgrounds, encourages troops to adhere strictly to the law. Kelly, an ex-fighter pilot and retired astronaut, emphasized, “you can refuse illegal orders,” while his colleagues highlighted the importance of upholding the Constitution.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth explained that Kelly’s unique status as the only fully retired military member among the group makes him subject to Pentagon jurisdiction. Hegseth criticized the video, stating on his personal X account, “Kelly’s conduct brings discredit upon the armed forces and will be addressed appropriately.” He also noted the potential danger posed by the video’s message, which he described as creating “doubt and confusion.”
Senator Kelly has yet to comment on the investigation. However, during a recent appearance on CBS’ “Face the Nation,” he expressed concern over Trump’s rhetoric, describing it as “very serious” and warning of the increased threats it poses.
Senator Ruben Gallego, Kelly’s Democratic colleague from Arizona, defended him on social media, arguing, “Mark told the truth — in America, we swear an oath to the Constitution, not wannabe kings.” The video emerged amid controversial military directives from the Trump administration, including orders to destroy small boats in the Caribbean and the attempted deployment of National Guard troops in U.S. cities.
Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell underscored the military’s obligation to follow legal orders from civilian leaders while acknowledging the duty of troops to refuse unlawful commands. This obligation, however, can be challenging for lower-ranking service members who often depend on their superiors for guidance.
Despite the video’s intent, there has been little online reaction from military personnel. A former service member managing an online military forum suggested the video’s limited reach and platform choice as reasons, noting it was only available on X and too lengthy for platforms like TikTok, where many troops get information.
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