The Pentagon announced on Monday that it is conducting an investigation into Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, a retired U.S. Navy fighter pilot and former NASA astronaut, for potential violations of military law. This inquiry follows Kelly's appearance in a video alongside fellow Democratic lawmakers, where they urged active-duty military and intelligence personnel to reject illegal orders.
In its statement, the Pentagon revealed it had received serious allegations of misconduct against Captain Mark Kelly, USN (Ret.). A comprehensive review of these allegations has been initiated to determine appropriate actions, which could include recalling Kelly to active duty for court-martial proceedings or implementing administrative measures. The statement, shared on social media platform X, emphasized that the matter would be addressed in accordance with military law, ensuring due process and impartiality. Future comments from the Pentagon will be limited to maintain the integrity of the ongoing proceedings.
This investigation arises during a tumultuous time for the Trump administration, which is facing legal scrutiny regarding its deployment of National Guard troops to U.S. cities and the controversial airstrikes on boats suspected of drug smuggling in the Caribbean. Senator Kelly, who was elected in 2020, participated in a video alongside five other Democratic lawmakers—many of whom have military backgrounds—where they stated, “This administration is pitting our uniformed military and intelligence community professionals against American citizens.”
In the video, Kelly and his colleagues reminded military personnel of their oath: “Our laws are clear. You can refuse illegal orders.” Featured in this video were notable figures such as Senator Elissa Slotkin, a former CIA analyst, Representative Jason Crow, a former Army Ranger, and other congress members with military experience from Pennsylvania and New Hampshire.
Following the video's release, President Trump reacted on Truth Social, calling the lawmakers’ actions “seditious behavior” that could warrant severe consequences. Although he later clarified that he was not directly threatening death, Trump reiterated his stance, stating, “IT WAS SEDITION AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL, AND SEDITION IS A MAJOR CRIME.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the video during a press briefing, asserting that any encouragement to defy the chain of command poses significant risks and that those involved should be held accountable. House Speaker Mike Johnson also condemned Kelly's statements, expressing dismay over the behavior of a senator or any congressional member engaging in such rhetoric.
During an interview on CBS' Face The Nation, Senator Kelly remarked on the lack of response from Republican members of Congress regarding Trump’s threats, noting, “We've heard very little, basically crickets.” As a retired Navy captain, Kelly is the only one who could potentially be recalled to active duty for a court-martial, a rare and serious action that the Pentagon may or may not pursue.
It is worth noting that Kelly is married to former Arizona Democratic Representative Gabby Giffords, who survived an assassination attempt in 2011. Kelly's distinguished military career includes flying combat missions in Iraq, and he has an impressive history as a NASA astronaut, completing two Space Shuttle missions as a pilot and commanding two more. His twin brother, Scott Kelly, is also a former NASA astronaut.