Washington Today Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) to Sec. of Defense Pete Hegseth: Pentagon investigation over ‘illegal orders’ video won’t ‘intimidate me’
Nov 24, 2025
Sen. Mark Kelly, a Democratic U.S. Senator from Arizona and retired Navy captain, passionately defends a video urging troops to disobey illegal orders amid a Pentagon investigation. He addresses the threats against him, vehemently rejecting intimidation. Kelly also critiques the violent rhetoric from political leaders, emphasizing the seriousness of such words and the growing threats faced by Congress members. His insights highlight the tension between military law and political discourse, shedding light on a significant moment in current events.
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Investigation Framed As Intimidation
- The Pentagon is investigating Sen. Mark Kelly after he and other Democrats urged troops to refuse illegal orders.
- The White House and Karoline Levitt framed the video as intimidation of service members and supported the probe.
Kelly Shows Military Record
- Sen. Mark Kelly posted a photo of his Navy uniform with medals and noted Secretary Hegseth's tweet was his first notice of the probe.
- He said President Trump's posts calling for his arrest and execution aim to intimidate but will not silence him.
Rhetoric Raises Security Concerns
- Kelly warned the president's rhetoric increases threats and recalled his experience with political violence as Gabby Giffords' husband.
- He condemned calls for execution as an attack on loyalty to the Constitution.