Pentagon Investigates Sen. Mark Kelly Over Video on “Illegal Orders”
WASHINGTON — The Pentagon confirmed Monday that it is reviewing possible disciplinary action against Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly after he appeared in a video urging U.S. troops to refuse “illegal orders.”
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Kelly, a retired Navy captain, joined several other veteran lawmakers in the video, which warns that threats to the Constitution could come “from right here at home” and tells service members they have a duty to reject unlawful commands.
A Pentagon spokesperson said the department is assessing whether Kelly’s role could undermine “good order and discipline” in the military. Under federal law, retired service members can be recalled to active duty and face potential military justice action if their conduct is found to harm the armed forces.
The move is highly unusual, marking a rare instance of the Pentagon scrutinizing the actions of a sitting U.S. senator.
Kelly has not been charged, and the Pentagon says the review is ongoing. The senator has not publicly commented on the investigation but previously said the video’s message was about defending the Constitution.
The video sparked intense political reaction, including criticism from President Donald Trump, who labeled the lawmakers’ actions “seditious.”
The Pentagon did not provide a timeline for when a decision will be made.