In a powerful show of solidarity, ten military veterans from various branches and ranks have come together to release a compelling video supporting U.S. Senator Mark Kelly and his congressional colleagues. This video emerges amidst a contentious back-and-forth with the Pentagon, following their call for active-duty members to disregard what they deem as illegal orders. The video, which debuted on popular platforms including YouTube, features veterans affiliated with several national veterans' organizations such as the Save America Movement, Valor Media, Common Defense, Veterans for Responsible Leadership, and The Chamberlain Network.
In the video, veterans express their unwavering support for Kelly amid threats from the Trump administration to potentially court-martial the senator. They condemn this action as an unprecedented and politically charged exploitation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). Recently, the Pentagon announced via social media that it would conduct “a thorough review” of the allegations of misconduct against Kelly, a retired Navy captain and astronaut from Arizona, citing “serious allegations of misconduct.”
In response to the situation, Kelly and several Democratic colleagues in both the House and Senate released a video urging U.S. troops to resist what they label as illegal orders. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth criticized Kelly’s actions on social media, stating, “So ‘Captain’ Kelly, not only did your sedition video intentionally undercut good order and discipline, but you can’t even display your uniform correctly.” He further remarked that any future recall to active duty would begin with a uniform inspection.
The investigation into Kelly's actions has expanded, with reports indicating that the FBI is now interviewing him along with five other congressional Democrats, including Senator Elissa Slotkin from Michigan and House Representatives Jason Crow from Colorado, Maggie Goodlander from New Hampshire, and Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan from Pennsylvania.
The veterans’ video features ten service members, some of whom are retired, representing various branches including the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps. One veteran passionately states, “I want to talk about Mark Kelly.” The video’s participants assert that Kelly is defending his oath to the country and the Constitution against what they perceive as a “targeted attack” from the executive branch, impacting military members who might be compelled to undertake actions that undermine the very citizens they are sworn to protect. The video concludes with a rallying cry: “We all took an oath, not to serve a king or a tyrant but to defend the Constitution. Don’t give up the ship.”
In a conversation with Military.com, Kenneth Harbaugh, a U.S. Navy veteran featured in the video, described it as “incredibly patriotic and brave.” He expressed concern over the current state of the nation, noting that “we've never been at this kind of crossroads in our country before.” He emphasized the potential dangers posed by a commander-in-chief who has previously attempted to coerce the military into performing illegal or unconstitutional actions, referencing past incidents such as pressuring the military to seize voting machines in 2020.
Harbaugh underscored the importance of accountability within military leadership, recalling how high-ranking officials like retired Army General Mark Milley and former Defense Secretary Mark Esper acted as barriers against unconstitutional orders during Trump’s first term. He expressed concern over the lack of similar figures within the current administration, suggesting that civilian leadership and counsel are insufficient.
Harbaugh criticized the Pentagon’s leadership, particularly targeting Hegseth for bringing “shame” to the military institution. He accused the secretary of using his position as a political tool against opponents, stating, “The fact that he should be given control over the most powerful, largest instrument of American power was a slap in the face to those who wear the uniform and risk their lives.”
The unfolding events surrounding Senator Mark Kelly, the Pentagon, and the veterans’ support video reflect a turbulent intersection of politics, military ethics, and constitutional duty, prompting both public and governmental scrutiny.