Senator Kelly denounces Pete Hegseth's 'ridiculous' move as revealing his true character

Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) expressed strong disapproval on Monday regarding the unusual manner in which he learned about the possibility of being court-martialed for his involvement in the illegal orders video alongside several Democratic lawmakers in mid-November.

I was notified about a potential court-martial through a tweet from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. This is completely absurd. Its not the normal procedure and makes no sense, Kelly told CNNs The Lead with Jake Tapper.

The retired Navy pilot elaborated, He sent a tweet, and thats the only communication Ive received from the Navy. That says a lot about Pete Hegseth. Kelly was referencing a November 24 post on X from the White House Department of War account, which stated that a thorough review was underway that might lead to court-martial proceedings.

Kellys remarks came in response to Tapper asking whether he had been contacted by the military or the FBI for an interview after the videos release. The FBI has stated it is arranging interviews with the lawmakers featured in the video.

Former President Donald Trump criticized the video as seditious behavior on social media and appeared to support posts calling for the lawmakers to face execution. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth described the video as despicable, reckless, and false in a post on X.

Legal experts, including former military prosecutors, have suggested that the Pentagon likely lacks the authority to punish Kelly. Additionally, neither Kelly nor other Democratic lawmakers involved have cited specific illegal orders from Trump. Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), also in the video, said on ABCs This Week that she was not aware of any such orders.

Speaking to Tapper on Monday, Kelly criticized Hegseth, claiming his focus is on social media metrics rather than legal processes. He reinforced his assertion that Trump is conducting a bullying campaign, referencing the presidents statements that Kelly and other Democrats should be in jail.

Was this initiated by the FBI, or was it Donald Trump directing the FBI to target us? This is intimidation. Thats what he meant by saying hang them, execute them, Kelly added. I will not be intimidated by the president or the secretary of defense, and I will not be silenced.

Watch the full video of Kellys CNN appearance here.

Author: Sophia Brooks