Politics

Pentagon Investigating Senator Kelly Over 'Unlawful Orders' Video

Illustration for: Pentagon Investigating Senator Kelly Over 'Unlawful Orders' Video
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Nov 24, 2025

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The Pentagon has launched an investigation into Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona, a retired U.S. Navy captain, for what it termed "serious allegations of misconduct." The probe follows a video released last week in which Kelly and five other Democratic lawmakers urged military and intelligence personnel to refuse any "unlawful" or "illegal" orders. The other lawmakers in the video were Senator Elissa Slotkin and Representatives Jason Crow, Chris Deluzio, Chrissy Houlahan, and Maggie Goodlander.

In a Monday statement, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described the video as "despicable, reckless, and false," asserting that it undermines good order and discipline. The Pentagon specified that while the other lawmakers are not under its jurisdiction, Kelly, as a retired officer receiving military pay, remains subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). The department stated that its review could lead to a recall to active duty for a court-martial or other administrative actions. It also cited federal law prohibiting interference with the loyalty and discipline of armed forces.

The investigation follows public criticism from President Donald Trump, who described the lawmakers' actions as "seditious behavior" on social media. The president posted that sedition is "punishable by DEATH!" and also called for the lawmakers to be arrested. One summary noted the president later clarified he was not threatening death but believed the lawmakers were in "serious trouble."

In response to the president's remarks, Senator Kelly stated that the words could have "serious, serious consequences" and had led to increased threats against the lawmakers. He said he would not be intimidated. In a television interview, Representative Crow defended the video, providing hypothetical examples of unlawful orders, such as using troops at polling stations or to arrest members of Congress, while acknowledging that the president has not issued such orders. In a separate interview, Representative Slotkin stated she was not aware of any illegal orders given to the military by the president.

Same Facts. Different Perspectives.

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• The video served as a warning about potential illegal orders. The lawmakers' video urged military and intelligence personnel to refuse any orders they considered "unlawful" or "illegal." Representative Jason Crow defended the message by offering hypothetical examples of such orders, including using troops at polling places or to arrest members of Congress.

• The lawmakers state they will not be intimidated by the response. Senator Kelly responded to President Trump's criticism by saying the president's words could have "serious, serious consequences" and had led to increased threats against the lawmakers involved. Kelly asserted that despite this, he would not be intimidated.

• They acknowledge no such unlawful orders have been issued. While defending the video's preemptive message, some of the lawmakers clarified that their concerns were hypothetical. Representative Crow acknowledged that the president has not issued the types of orders he used as examples, and Representative Elissa Slotkin stated she was not aware of any illegal orders having been given to the military.

How it may affect me

As a U.S. reader:

• The investigation into a retired officer serving as a senator could set a legal precedent for the free speech rights of other retired military personnel.

• The mention of using troops at polling places raises questions about the military's potential role in the administration of future elections.

• Public disagreement between lawmakers and Pentagon leadership may affect public confidence in the military's chain of command and governmental oversight.

• Reports of increased threats against lawmakers contribute to a more volatile political environment, which can have broader implications for public safety.

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