The BareStory
The Department of Defense announced on Monday it is conducting a review of Senator Mark Kelly, a retired U.S. Navy captain, citing "serious allegations of misconduct." The investigation follows the release of a video last week in which Kelly and five other Democratic members of Congress advised U.S. military personnel that they can refuse illegal orders.
President Donald Trump responded to the video by accusing the lawmakers of "seditious behavior," which he said was historically punishable by death. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that Kelly’s conduct, by using his military rank and affiliation, brings discredit upon the armed forces. The Pentagon noted that as a retired officer, Kelly is subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice and could be recalled to active duty to potentially face a court-martial.
In a public response, Senator Kelly said he would not be intimidated or silenced, defending the video as a non-controversial reminder for service members to follow the law. Kelly also claimed that President Trump had said he should be executed and hanged in response to his actions. The video was created, Kelly stated, as a preventative measure, citing what he described as the president's past statements on military orders and current discussions about using the Insurrection Act.
According to reports, the FBI plans to interview the six lawmakers who appeared in the video. In addition to Kelly, the group includes Senator Elissa Slotkin and Representatives Jason Crow, Maggie Goodlander, Chris Deluzio, and Chrissy Houlahan. Four of the lawmakers are military veterans but are not retired and therefore not subject to the military justice code. The lawmakers had also recently sent a letter to the administration requesting the declassification of a legal opinion concerning recent military strikes.
How it may affect me
As a U.S. reader:
• This event highlights discussions about using the Insurrection Act, which could permit the deployment of military troops for domestic law enforcement, directly affecting public life.
• The Pentagon's review could set a precedent for how retired military officers, particularly those in public office, are subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
• The investigation into elected officials over military orders may create uncertainty about the chain of command, potentially impacting the relationship between the government and armed forces.
