Opinion

The Pentagon confirmed it is investigating Anti-Gun Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona — a former Navy captain and astronaut — after he appeared in a political video urging U.S. service members to “refuse illegal orders.” Because Kelly is a retired officer, he is still subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), and defense officials say his actions may have crossed a legal line.

In a public statement, the Pentagon said it had received “serious allegations of misconduct” and has launched “a thorough review of these allegations… which may include recall to active duty for court-martial proceedings or administrative measures.”

The investigation involves federal law 18 U.S.C. § 2387 — a statute that makes it a crime, punishable by up to ten years in prison, to “advise, counsel, urge, or in any manner cause… insubordination, disloyalty, mutiny, or refusal of duty” among U.S. military forces.

Kelly and five other Democratic lawmakers released the video last week, telling troops, “Our laws are clear. You can refuse illegal orders.” The message did not clarify which “illegal orders” they believed were being issued, or by whom — something even CNN noted the group did not specify.

While all six lawmakers in the video are Democrats with national-security backgrounds, Kelly is the only one who can be recalled to active duty and court-martialed, because he is the only retired military officer in the group.

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

Trump Calls It “Seditious Behavior” as Pressure Mounts

President Donald Trump criticized the lawmakers sharply. In comments on social media, he called their actions “seditious behavior punishable by death” — later clarifying he was quoting the law, adding, “I’m not threatening death, but I think they’re in serious trouble.”

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, echoing the Pentagon’s position, labeled the group the “Seditious Six” and said Kelly’s behavior “brings discredit upon the armed forces.”

Hegseth said the video was “despicable, reckless, and false,” warning that “encouraging our warriors to ignore the orders of their Commanders undermines every aspect of ‘good order and discipline.’”

He stressed that Kelly used his military rank and service affiliation while directly addressing troops, which “lended the appearance of authority to his words.”

Kelly Pushes Back, Claims He Is The Victim

Kelly responded to CBS News, saying he learned about the investigation via social media. In a statement on X, he said:

“If this is meant to intimidate me and other members of Congress… it won’t work. I’ve given too much to this country to be silenced by bullies who care more about their own power than protecting the Constitution.”

Appearing on Face the Nation, Kelly doubled down:

“All we said is we reiterated what basically is the rule of law that members of the military should not, cannot follow illegal orders.”

Kelly also claimed that Trump’s comments “have serious, serious consequences,” and said the president’s words have resulted in “increased threats against us.”

A Deeper Pattern: Kelly & Giffords’ Anti-Gun Advocacy Under Scrutiny

The controversy arises as Kelly and his wife, former Rep. Gabby Giffords, expand their national gun-control activism through the Giffords organization — a group well-known for lobbying against civilian firearm ownership and pushing bans on items like suppressors.

Gun-rights analysts note that Kelly has a long record of promoting gun-control narratives that contradict established data.

For instance:

• Kelly previously claimed suppressors defeat ShotSpotter detection systems, but ShotSpotter’s own fact sheet states its sensors “are designed to pick up the sound of gunfire from suppressors.”
• Giffords recently claimed stand-your-ground laws are a “license to kill,” despite decades of data showing lawful defensive shootings are rising because millions more Americans are carrying guns for protection.

AmmoLand New’s earlier reporting also highlighted Kelly’s ties to Chinese business interests, raising long-standing questions about foreign influence and conflicts of interest — particularly in matters involving U.S.–Taiwan weapons sales.

While the Pentagon’s current investigation is not about China or gun control, these past controversies have resurfaced among Kelly’s critics, who point to a pattern of political messaging that undermines civilian gun rights while creating confusion inside the military ranks.

A Politically Charged Moment With Serious Consequences

The video made by the “Seditious Six” was despicable, reckless, and false. Encouraging our warriors to ignore the orders of their Commanders undermines every aspect of “good order and discipline.” Their foolish screed sows doubt and confusion — which only puts our warriors in… https://t.co/UvLXChZnmF

— Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) November 24, 2025

The Pentagon emphasized that federal law prohibits any action that interferes with the “loyalty, morale, or good order and discipline” of the armed forces — even for retirees. The law exists to prevent anyone, especially former officers, from using their past rank to sway troops toward disobedience.

If Kelly is found to have violated 18 U.S.C. § 2387 or UCMJ rules, potential consequences include:

• Recall to active duty
• Court-martial
• Loss of pay and benefits
• Felony charges
• Up to ten years in federal prison

Such a case would be historically rare — a sitting U.S. senator facing possible military prosecution for statements made while in office.

For many in the pro-gun community, the issue isn’t partisan. It’s about the fundamental rule that politicians should not tell troops to pick and choose which orders to obey, especially while using their military rank to give those words extra authority.

Defense Secretary Hegseth summarized the Pentagon’s view clearly:

“Kelly’s conduct will be addressed appropriately.”

The investigation is ongoing.

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