Senator Mark Kelly anticipates that Hegseth will be dismissed from the court martial.

TUCSON Senator Mark Kelly expressed disbelief at the idea of facing a court martial, while sharply criticizing President Donald Trump and War Secretary Pete Hegseth as unprofessional. With the Navys deadline for Hegseth to report on any potential military case against Kelly approaching on Dec. 10, the Arizona Democrat revealed he has yet to receive meaningful communication from the Pentagon or the FBI.

We received one item from the FBI, and it didnt even include a point of contact, Kelly said on Dec. 5 after a town hall in Tucson. This is how unprofessional the Justice Department has become.

Bloomberg Law reported that the FBI has been urging its domestic terrorism team to investigate Democrats involved in a Nov. 18 video encouraging military personnel to refuse unlawful orders. Kelly noted that if these legal threats didnt involve Trump, they would seem crazy.

This is clearly unconstitutional and violates the separation of powers, especially against a sitting senator, Kelly said. Theyve been so unserious that the only notice I got was on Twitter. Im not backing down.

Addressing around 200 attendees at his town hall, Kelly predicted that Hegseth will likely back off. I expect Hegseth will just take a hike. Or he could attempt to prosecute me, but Im not going anywhere.

The video at the center of the controversy featured Kelly and several other Democrats, including Sen. Elissa Slotkin, D-Michigan, and Reps. Jason Crow, D-Colorado; Chris Deluzio, D-Pennsylvania; Maggie Goodlander, D-New Hampshire; and Chrissy Houlahan, D-Pennsylvania. It urged military members to question potentially illegal orders.

Our laws are clear: you can refuse illegal commands, Kelly said. As a former Navy combat pilot and member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, he emphasized his experience in military protocols. The Pentagon is currently reviewing possible misconduct charges against him, with Hegseth requesting a briefing on the findings by Dec. 10.

While critical of Trump and Hegseth, Kelly approached the consequences of the Sept. 2 military strikes in international waters with caution. He has yet to view the full footage and is withholding judgment on whether the strikes, which killed two apparent survivors, might constitute war crimes.

Some who have seen the video are deeply concerned, Kelly said. Everyone should be able to view it, review the Execute Order, and question witnesses, including the Secretary of Defense. I dont want to preempt the investigation, but the initial information is troubling.

On Dec. 4, senior House and Senate Armed Services and Intelligence members reviewed the footage in a classified briefing, though Kelly was not included. Republican Sen. Tom Cotton described the strikes as highly lawful and lethal, while Democratic Rep. Jim Himes called them one of the most troubling incidents he has encountered in public service.

Both chambers have plans to review all 22 known strikes in international waters since September, which have resulted in at least 87 deaths. Kelly expressed concern about Hegseths public behavior regarding military rules of engagement, criticizing him for promoting reckless actions.

Author: Aiden Foster