Hegseth Orders Navy Probe Into Sen. Kelly’s ‘Unlawful Orders’ Video
The United States Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, significantly intensified the Trump administration’s ongoing conflict with Arizona Senator Mark Kelly on Tuesday. Hegseth issued a direct order to the Secretary of the US Navy, John Phelan, instructing him to launch a formal inquiry into what he termed “potentially unlawful comments” made by Senator Kelly. These remarks were featured in a recent social media video where Kelly appeared alongside other members of Congress, advocating for military personnel’s rights.
Defense Secretary Directs Navy Probe
Hegseth’s directive was formalized through an official memorandum dispatched to Secretary Phelan, marking a notable escalation in the administration’s offensive against the Democratic senator. The memo explicitly requested a comprehensive review of the statements made by Senator Kelly and his Democratic colleagues in the video released last week. The contentious footage aimed to remind active-duty service members and intelligence personnel of their constitutional and legal right to decline orders deemed unlawful – a fundamental principle within military justice. The Defense Secretary stipulated that he expects a detailed brief from Phelan on the matter for his personal review by December 10. This latest development follows a statement issued by the Pentagon on Monday, confirming that it had already initiated a preliminary investigation into Senator Kelly for potential violations of military regulations or codes of conduct.
The Core of the Controversy: Unlawful Orders
At the heart of this burgeoning dispute lies the video, which featured four lawmakers, including Senator Kelly, encouraging US military service members to resist orders that violate established legal statutes. This message, rooted in the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), was met with sharp condemnation from President Donald Trump. Trump publicly labeled the group as “traitors” on social media, further suggesting that such actions could lead to severe penalties, including imprisonment or even the death penalty for those involved. In response to these grave accusations, Senator Kelly countered that the US President was leveraging the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) as a “tool to intimidate and harass members of Congress,” dismissing the administration’s claims of “seditious behavior” as baseless political attacks.
Lawmakers Stand Firm Amidst FBI Contact
The group of politicians involved in the video, comprising congressional representatives Jason Crow of Colorado, Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania, and Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire, along with two unnamed others, have confirmed direct contact from the FBI. The bureau reportedly reached out to the House and Senate sergeants at arms, requesting formal interviews with the lawmakers concerning their statements. In a collective statement released in response to the escalating pressure and the FBI’s involvement, the group asserted their unwavering resolve and commitment to their constitutional duties. “No amount of intimidation or harassment will ever stop us from doing our jobs and honoring our constitution,” their statement declared, pushing back forcefully against the executive branch’s actions.
The lawmakers emphasized their solemn oath, sworn to “support and defend” the United States Constitution, a commitment they affirmed “lasts a lifetime.” They concluded their defiant message by stating, “We intend to keep it. We will not be bullied. We will never give up the ship,” a powerful metaphor for their steadfastness. This declaration underscores the deepening chasm between the Trump administration and these congressional figures, transforming a political disagreement into a high-stakes constitutional confrontation over fundamental principles. The ongoing investigations and public exchanges signal a protracted battle over the interpretation of military law and the rights of service members within a fiercely polarized political landscape.
Source: The Guardian
