The View Crew Clashes with Stephen A. Smith for his Tirade Against Mark Kelly: 'You Are Incorrect!'

On Thursday, the hosts of The View confronted sports and political commentator Stephen A. Smith regarding his recent criticism of Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ), a former Navy pilot. The discussion centered on Kelly's participation in a video encouraging troops to refuse unlawful orders.

You recently criticized Senator Mark Kellya veteran and astronautfor advising service members on refusing illegal commands, remarked Sunny Hostin, as a clip played of Smith shouting, You know better, Senator Kelly! How dare you do that? Hostin also referenced a 2016 statement by then-Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth about consequences for serious war crimes.

Hostin challenged Smith to reconsider his stance, saying, Considering the secretarys statement, would you like to rethink your position?

Smith: Im not changing anything.

Hostin: So you choose to remain loud and wrong?

Smith: Call it what you want. Youre entitled to your opinion. I dont care what Hegseth sayshe wasnt qualified. Before becoming Defense Secretary, he was a weekend host on Fox News. Please. Give me a break! My issue with Mark Kelly is about military protocol. I spoke with military contacts to clarify: this isnt civilian law. A former or current service member can face consequences for certain statements. Kellys problem isnt the words themselvesits that as a combat Navy pilot, he suggested ignoring orders.

Joy Behar: Ignoring an illegal order.

Smith: Exactly, illegal.

Hostin: He advised that unlawful orders dont need to be followed, which aligns with military code. It seemed you werent aware of that.

Smith: I disagree. Two governors told me I was wrong and agreed with you, while two senators supported my view.

The tense exchange highlighted the differing interpretations of military protocol and public commentary by former service members. Clips of the confrontation were shared by ABCs The View.

Author: Olivia Parker