US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has escalated the Trump administration's attacks on Arizona Senator Mark Kelly by ordering the Navy Secretary to investigate what he termed “potentially unlawful comments” made by Kelly in a social media video with other Democratic lawmakers.
The memorandum, sent to Navy Secretary John Phelan, demands a briefing by 10 December on remarks in which Kelly and colleagues reminded serving soldiers and intelligence officers of their right to refuse unlawful orders. The Pentagon had already announced on Monday that it was looking into whether Kelly breached military law.
President Donald Trump accused the group of “seditious behaviour”, calling them “traitors” who could face jail or the death penalty. In response, Kelly said Trump was using the FBI as a “tool to intimidate and harass members of Congress”.
Six lawmakers – including Kelly, Michigan Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin, and others – produced the video encouraging military personnel to resist illegal orders. Slotkin said the FBI’s counter-terrorism division had notified them of an inquiry, which she described as a “scare tactic”. She added: “The president’s reaction and the use of the FBI against us is exactly why we made the video.”
The Pentagon is also reviewing misconduct allegations against Kelly that could lead to him being recalled to active duty and facing court-martial proceedings. The lawmakers have vowed not to be intimidated, stating: “That oath lasts a lifetime, and we intend to keep it.”
