Pentagon Probes Trump Ally Mark Kelly Over 'Sedition' Accusation Amid Rising Tensions
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In a rare move, the Pentagon has launched an investigation into Democratic Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona over alleged breaches of military law. Kelly, a former Navy pilot, participated in a video with fellow lawmakers calling for troops to defy "illegal orders." The investigation comes after President Trump accused the lawmakers of sedition, a charge punishable by death. The Pentagon's statement cited a federal law that allows retired service members to be recalled to active duty for potential court-martial or administrative measures. This move is extraordinary, as the Pentagon has traditionally avoided taking a political stance. Kelly dismissed the investigation, calling it the work of "bullies" and stating that he will continue to uphold his oath to the Constitution. The other lawmakers involved in the video include Sen. Elissa Slotkin and Reps. Jason Crow, Chris Deluzio, Maggie Goodlander, and Chrissy Houlahan. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that Kelly is being investigated due to his formal retirement from the military and his continued jurisdiction under the Pentagon. Hegseth also accused the other lawmakers of sowing doubt and confusion among troops. The video's release comes amid a backdrop of controversy, with the Trump administration ordering the military to blow up small boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific Ocean suspected of ferrying drugs. Some legal scholars have questioned the Pentagon's move, citing the Constitution's protections of legislative independence. Stephen Vladeck, a Georgetown University law professor, noted that there has been a rise in courts-martial of retired servicemembers in recent years. However, Anthony Michael Kreis, a constitutional law professor at Georgia State University, argued that Kelly's status as a U.S. senator complicates the investigation, as the Constitution shields members of Congress from White House overreach. The issue at hand is whether troops can reject unlawful orders, a topic of ongoing debate. While commanders have a duty to reject orders that are deemed unlawful, rank-and-file troops often rely on their superiors for guidance. The Pentagon's investigation has sparked a backlash from Senate Democrats, with leader Chuck Schumer accusing Trump of using the Pentagon as a "personal attack dog." Kelly's fellow Arizona senator, Ruben Gallego, defended Kelly, saying that he told the truth about swearing an oath to the Constitution, not a "wannabe king.
