US EditionPentagon says it’s investigating Sen. Mark Kelly for video urging troops to defy ‘illegal orders’
The Pentagon cited federal law and the Uniform Code of Military Justice in reviewing Kelly's video, which may lead to recall to active duty or court-martial proceedings.
- The Pentagon posted Monday saying it is investigating Sen. Mark Kelly on November 24, 2025, citing a formal review of `serious allegations of misconduct` that may lead to recall for court-martial or administrative measures.
- Kelly appeared in a video posted on November 18, 2025, alongside five other former military or intelligence officials urging service members to refuse unlawful orders and uphold the Constitution.
- The Pentagon cited the Uniform Code of Military Justice, specifically 10 U.S.C. § 688, and federal statutes allowing the defense secretary to recall retired servicemembers, warning of penalties including fines and up to 10 years in prison.
- Threats and security incidents followed President Donald Trump’s remarks, including bomb threats and violent calls to congressional offices, while Kelly said the probe will not silence him.
- Experts say the move is extraordinary for the Pentagon and raises civil‑military questions, as only retired officers like Kelly can be recalled and such prosecutions are rare.
251 Articles
251 Articles
Who is Mark Kelly, the senator the Pentagon is targeting for urging troops to defy illegal orders?
The Pentagon suggests it could recall U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly to active military duty for appearing in a video urging troops to defy “illegal orders.” Kelly, a Democratic senator from Arizona, was a senior Navy officer and NASA astronaut. On…
U.S. War Department reviews Sen. Mark Kelly after video to service members
The U.S. Department of War has opened a review into alleged misconduct by Sen. Mark Kelly after he appeared in a video urging military and intelligence personnel to refuse unlawful orders, according to an official statement. The department announced the review on Monday, stating that the matter would be handled under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) and other applicable regulations. Officials said the review will determine whether the…
Mark Kelly hasn't breached military law
Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) is not in breach of his legal obligations as a retired military officer. Kelly served in the Navy between 1986 and 2011, retiring honorably at the rank of captain. This bears noting in light of the Department of War’s claim on Monday that it “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 r…
Former Astronaut Fires Back After Trump Threatens Him With Execution
In a video posted to X-formerly-Twitter last week, Democratic lawmakers — including senator and former NASA astronaut Mark Kelly — encouraged members of the military to “refuse illegal orders.” “This administration is pitting our uniformed military and intelligence community professionals against American citizens,” they said in the video. “Like us, you all swore an oath to protect and defend this Constitution.” Both president Donald Trump and t…
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