Department of War Targets Sen. Mark Kelly Over Video Urging Troops to Defy Orders

The Department of War has opened a formal investigation into retired Navy Capt. Mark Kelly, the junior Democratic senator from Arizona, over "serious allegations of misconduct" that could lead to his recall to active duty and court-martial, officials announced Monday.

The probe stems directly from a video released last week in which Kelly and five other Democratic lawmakers who are military veterans urged U.S. service members to "refuse illegal orders."

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth confirmed the investigation targets only Kelly because, as a retired officer, he remains subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

The other five — Sen. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., a former CIA officer, and Reps. Jason Crow, D-Colo., Maggie Goodlander, D-N.H., Chris Deluzio, D-Pa., and Chrissy Houlahan, D-Pa. — fall outside military jurisdiction.

"The video made by the 'Seditious Six' was despicable, reckless, and false," Hegseth posted on X. "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 danger."

The Department of War’s official statement reminded retirees they remain under UCMJ authority and cited federal law prohibiting actions that interfere with military loyalty, morale, or discipline.

"All servicemembers are reminded that they have a legal obligation under the UCMJ to obey lawful orders and that orders are presumed to be lawful," the department said. "A servicemember’s personal philosophy does not justify or excuse the disobedience of an otherwise lawful order."

Kelly said he first learned of the probe from Hegseth’s social media post.

"If this is meant to intimidate me and other members of Congress from doing our jobs and holding this administration accountable, it won’t work," Kelly responded in a statement. "I’ve given too much to this country to be silenced by bullies who care more about their own power than protecting the Constitution."

President Trump had labeled the video "SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL" and initially called for the lawmakers’ arrest, later suggesting imprisonment.

Over the weekend he slightly softened his tone but continued demanding consequences.

Democratic leaders Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer immediately requested increased security for all six lawmakers.

The six participants have refused to retract the video and insist they were simply reminding troops of their oath to the Constitution.

Make no mistake, patriots: when retired officers exploit their former rank to sow confusion in the chain of command during a time of heightened national tension, someone has to answer for it — and Mark Kelly just became the test case.