Senator Mark Kelly has responded to the Pentagon’s announcement that it is investigating him for possible breaches of military law after he joined five other Democratic members of Congress in a video calling for US troops to refuse illegal orders.
He noted that what he said was something that was “pretty simple and non controversial,” and that was that members of the military should follow the law. “And in response to that, Donald Trump said I should be executed,” he added.
Trump has accused the Democrats who took part in the video of “seditious” behavior, adding that it was “punishable by death” in a string of posts to Truth Social.
“We wanted to just remind folks that they need to comply with the law and be reminded and also explain to members of the military that we have their backs, that we know what’s going on as part of our job, accountability over the federal government. And this is the response we get.”
“I don’t think there’s anything more patriotic than standing up for the constitution. And right here, right now, this week, the President clearly is not doing that.”
Mark Key
Kelly noted that he found out about the investigation via a post on social media. “This is about the media cycle, and it’s about intimidation, and whole thing’s almost comical,” he added.
The Pentagon launched an investigation into Senator Mark Kelly over the video he and other Democrats made. The video was released last week. It features six Democratic lawmakers who previously held positions in the military and intelligence services: Kelly, Representatives Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania, Representative Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire, Representative Jason Crow of Colorado and Senator Elissa Slotkin of Michigan.
Slotkin wrote on X in a post accompanying the video that they wanted to “speak directly to members of the military and the intelligence community.” “The American people need you to stand up for our laws and our Constitution. Don’t give up the ship,” Slotkin added.
In the video, the lawmakers said that the trust that citizens have in the US military and intelligence agencies was “at risk.”
“This administration is pitting our uniformed military and intelligence community professionals against American citizens.
“Like us, you all swore an oath to protect and defend this constitution. Right now, the threats to our constitution aren’t just coming from abroad but right here at home. Our laws are clear: You can refuse illegal orders.”
Democratic Lawmakers
In response to the video, the Pentagon announced an investigation into alleged breaches of military law by Kelly, a former navy captain, which is an unusual step against retired military personnel.
In a statement posted on X yesterday, the Pentagon said that it had received “serious allegations of misconduct” against Kelly, suggesting that the video had interfered with the “loyalty, morale, or good order and discipline of the armed forces.”
“A thorough review of these allegations has been initiated to determine further actions, which may include recall to active duty for court-martial proceedings or administrative measures. This matter will be handled in compliance with military law, ensuring due process and impartiality.”
Pentagon
Bacon Urges Common Sense In Pentagon’s investigation Into Mark Kelly
Don Bacon, the outgoing Republican Congressman from Nebraska, who has established himself as a more moderate voice within the GOP, said that the Pentagon’s investigation into senator Mark Kelly is evidence of “amateur hour” at the department.
“I thought the video by six Dems was unnecessary and foolish. But the threats of sedition charges and courts martial in response are also crazy. Let’s show some common sense and restraint.”
Don Bacon
According to news reports, the FBI has requested interviews with the six Democratic members of Congress who took part in the video.
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