War Secretary Pete Hegseth asked the Navy on Tuesday to review Sen. Mark Kelly’s (D-AZ) comments in a video featuring several Democratic lawmakers urging military personnel not to follow illegal orders.
Kelly was one of six Democratic lawmakers to feature in the video, with the remarks viewed by the Trump administration as a wink-and-nod call for insubordination. After the War Department announced a “thorough review” of the allegations on Monday, Hegseth requested that the Navy review Kelly’s “potentially unlawful comments” and report back to him by Dec. 10.
The memo was posted by the Department of War on X.
Kelly, a retired Navy captain, and Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Reps. Jason Crow (D-CO), Maggie Goodlander (D-NH), Chris Deluzio (D-PA), and Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) have been labeled the “Seditious Six” by the Trump administration after their controversial video was released. They particularly earned the ire of President Donald Trump, who accused them of treason and argued they should be punished as such.
A Monday statement from the War Department said the review of Kelly will “determine further actions, which may include recall to active duty for court-martial proceedings or administrative measures.”
After the review was announced, Hegseth said, “The video made by the ‘Seditious Six’ was despicable, reckless, and false. Encouraging our warriors to ignore the orders of their commanders undermines every aspect of ‘good order and discipline.’ Their foolish screed sows doubt and confusion, which only puts our warriors in danger.”
Kelly has remained defiant, posting several messages since bashing the administration and pledging that he wouldn’t be “silenced by bullies who care more about their own power than protecting the Constitution.”
PENTAGON ANNOUNCES ‘THOROUGH REVIEW’ INTO MARK KELLY OVER ‘ILLEGAL ORDERS’ VIDEO
After Hegseth ordered the Navy to investigate Kelly’s comments, the senator posted a picture of himself in the Navy on X, praising his time in the service.
“Like so many members of our military, serving this country changed my life. The Navy gave me opportunities I wouldn’t dream of and taught me lessons I’ll never forget. I’m grateful for everything our nation has given me, and I’ll always do everything I can to give back to it,” Kelly said.
