The Pentagon is launching an investigation into Arizona Democrat Sen. Mark Kelly after he appeared with other Democrats in a recent video explicitly urging military members to disobey “illegal” orders from the Trump administration, the Department of War announced Monday.
Kelly appeared with five fellow Democrats in the video telling service members their “trust” with the American people is at risk and urging them not to “give up the ship.” Kelly reminded members of the Armed Forces that they “swore an oath” and said they can “refuse illegal orders.” The clear implication was that such orders are being given by President Donald Trump, servicemembers should refuse to obey.
However, Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin, who released the video, admitted on Sunday that she could not name one illegal order that the Trump administration has given to warrant disobedience.
OFFICIAL STATEMENT:
The Department of War has received serious allegations of misconduct against Captain Mark Kelly, USN (Ret.). In accordance with the Uniform Code of Military Justice, 10 U.S.C. § 688, and other applicable regulations, a thorough review of these allegations…
— Department of War
(@DeptofWar) November 24, 2025
(@DeptofWar) We want 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.
Should the Pentagon investigate Mark Kelly for urging military disobedience?Don’t give up the ship. pic.twitter.com/N8lW0EpQ7r
— Sen. Elissa Slotkin (@SenatorSlotkin) November 18, 2025
Kelly, who is a retired Navy Captain, remains subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice and is eligible for recall as a retiree, as noted in the Department of War announcement. That status may not apply to other former military members in the video who are not retirees.
“The Department of War reminds all individuals that military retirees remain subject to the UCMJ for applicable offenses, and federal laws such as 18 U.S.C. § 2387 prohibit actions intended to interfere with the loyalty, morale, or good order and discipline of the armed forces,” the Pentagon stated. “Any violations will be addressed through appropriate legal channels.”
War Secretary Pete Hegseth called the Democrat lawmakers in the video the “seditious six” in an X post Monday while clarifying that Kelly was a retired Navy Commander and thus is still beholden to the Uniform code for Military Justice (UCMJ).
“As was announced, the Department is reviewing his statements and actions, which were addressed directly to all troops while explicitly using his rank and service affiliation—lending the appearance of authority to his words,” Hegseth said in his post. “Kelly’s conduct brings discredit upon the armed forces and will be addressed appropriately.”
The Pentagon declined to comment beyond the initial announcement. Kelly’s office did not immediately respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment.
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