Senator Mark Kelly labels Trump and Hegseth as 'unserious individuals' during military video probe

Senator Mark Kelly, a Democrat from Arizona, criticized President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Sunday, describing them as not serious individuals after their responses to a video Kelly and several Democratic colleagues released earlier this month. The video encouraged military and intelligence personnel to refuse illegal orders.

This president thinks he can intimidate people, but he will not stop me from speaking out and holding him accountable for actions that are unlawful, Kelly told NBC News Meet the Press.

Earlier this month, the Department of Defense announced an investigation into Kelly following accusations from Trump, who labeled Kelly and other lawmakers actions as potentially seditious, a charge the president initially suggested could carry the death penalty. Trump later clarified in an interview with conservative radio host Brian Kilmeade that he was not threatening lawmakers with death.

The controversy arose after a group of Democratic lawmakers, many of whom are veterans or former intelligence officials, released a video urging current military and intelligence staff to refuse orders that violate the law or the Constitution. The lawmakers featured in the video include Kelly, Senator Elissa Slotkin of Michigan, and Representatives Jason Crow of Colorado, Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire, Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania.

In the video, the lawmakers did not identify any specific illegal orders. Kelly emphasized that the video was forward-looking and did not refer to orders already issued under the current administration. He referenced Trumps 2016 comments during the Republican primary, in which Trump claimed the military would follow his orders even if they were illegal under international law.

Kelly also cited earlier remarks by Trump suggesting the military could use American cities as training grounds, describing such statements as alarming. With this president and this secretary of defense, we could face serious issues. Our message was simple: follow the law, Kelly said.

White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson responded to NBC News, stating, Democrats could not provide examples of unlawful orders because there have been none. It is concerning that elected officials are urging the military to defy lawful orders from the Commander-in-Chief.

Hegseth condemned the video as despicable, reckless, and false, while Kelly labeled Hegseth as the least qualified secretary of defense in the history of our country. Kelly also noted in a CNN interview that he had not received any official notification of an investigation from the Navy, learning about it instead via social media, highlighting the administrations lack of seriousness.

Reflecting on his Navy service, Kelly said he never questioned orders legality at the time but emphasized the importance of distinguishing between lawful and unlawful commands, asserting that he would refuse any illegal orders.

Regarding reports that Hegseth directed a Navy SEAL team to kill everybody on a boat suspected of drug trafficking, Kelly called for a formal investigation, emphasizing accountability and noting that Congressional armed services committees have already initiated inquiries into the matter.

Analysis: Tensions Between Senator Kelly and Trump Administration Over Military Orders

The recent controversy surrounding Senator Mark Kelly and his comments on military orders continues to stir political tensions. Kelly, a Democrat from Arizona, has voiced strong criticism of President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth after the release of a video earlier this month, where he and other Democratic lawmakers encouraged military and intelligence personnel to “refuse illegal orders.” This action sparked backlash from Trump and Hegseth, with accusations of sedition being levied against Kelly and his colleagues.

Kelly’s stance is clear: he asserts that his actions are about upholding the law and ensuring that military personnel are not coerced into following unlawful orders. He has pointed to troubling past remarks from Trump, including statements suggesting that military orders could override international law or that U.S. cities could serve as military “training grounds.” In response, Kelly’s video aimed to remind active military and intelligence personnel that their duty lies in defending the Constitution and following legal orders, not those that could harm citizens or violate human rights.

While Kelly’s message has been met with criticism, especially from Hegseth who labeled the video “reckless” and “false,” Kelly maintains that the discussion is not about any current orders but rather about potential future risks. His remarks are a reflection of his concerns that the Trump administration might attempt to bend the rules of engagement to its advantage, posing serious questions about the integrity of military leadership.

At the core of this debate is the fundamental principle of accountability. Kelly’s insistence on holding the administration accountable for its actions—whether regarding unlawful orders or the handling of military personnel—is a reminder that lawmakers must serve as a check on executive power. As the investigation into Kelly continues, his call for a formal probe into Hegseth’s alleged directive to “kill everybody” on a drug-trafficking mission demonstrates his commitment to transparency and the pursuit of justice.

Ultimately, this episode highlights the ongoing battle between elected officials and the executive branch, raising questions about the limits of authority and the responsibilities of those in positions of power. Kelly’s position, rooted in his military background, underscores the importance of upholding legal and ethical standards within the armed forces, especially as the nation grapples with the potential for further escalation under the current administration.

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• Sen. Mark Kelly says Trump and Hegseth are 'not serious people' amid military video investigation