Sen. Mark Kelly Articulates Why Trump, Who is 'Singularly Unqualified', Should Know Better

On Tuesday, Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona strongly condemned former President Donald Trump for promoting threats against lawmakers, describing him as singularly unfit to hold the nations highest office.

Kelly, a former Navy pilot, recounted how he and other Democratic lawmakers, particularly those with military or intelligence backgrounds, were seemingly targeted by Trump after the former president shared a post implying execution as a form of intimidation. The Pentagon has since launched an investigation into Kelly for a potential court-martial following a video he released, encouraging service members to reject unlawful orders.

Kelly emphasized that Trumps aggressive rhetoric has not only impacted him but also his wife, former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, who survived an assassination attempt. The senator highlighted what he sees as Trumps hypocrisy and disregard for the consequences of political violence.

Speaking on CNNs OutFront with Erin Burnett, Kelly appealed to Trumps personal experience, noting that both he and Trump have faced political threats. We receive more threats in a single day than we used to in months, Kelly said. Theyre graphic and violent, directed at both me and Gabby. We know political violence firsthand. She was shot while meeting constituents, and Trump himself has faced assassination attempts. Yet he called for our hanging before Thanksgiving. Has any U.S. president ever suggested executing members of Congress?

Although Trump attempted to downplay his punishable by death remarks, Kelly stressed the lasting impact of such statements. Analysts have also questioned claims that Kelly violated military law.

Kelly continued, We cant normalize this behavior. Donald Trump is uniquely unqualified to serve as president. His words are so extreme that people begin to accept them, which is exactly what he intendsto silence opposition. But he will not silence me.

The senator urged Trump and his associates to focus on critical issues affecting Americans, such as healthcare costs and grocery prices, rather than fostering political violence.

Author: Caleb Jennings