Senator Kelly: Illegal Order Advice ‘Non-Controversial’
Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona has labeled his recent counsel to military members regarding “illegal orders” from the Trump administration as “non-controversial,” staunchly refuting allegations of “serious misconduct” lodged against him by the Pentagon. The former US Navy officer and astronaut, who completed four space shuttle missions between 2001 and 2011, conveyed his perspective during an interview with MS Now on Monday evening.
“I said something that was pretty simple and non-controversial – and that was that members of the military should follow the law,” Kelly stated, emphasizing the fundamental principle guiding his remarks. His comments arrive amidst a heated political climate and a direct challenge from the Pentagon following a video he and other Democratic lawmakers released.
Trump’s Retaliation and Kelly’s Defiance
Kelly then recounted the aggressive response from the former president, Donald Trump, who took to social media to accuse Kelly and his colleagues of “seditious behavior, punishable by death.” Trump further amplified the severity of his condemnation by republishing a post from another user that contained the ominous phrase “hang them.”
“And in response to that, Donald Trump said I should be executed, I should be hanged, I should be prosecuted,” Kelly told political talk show host Rachel Maddow. The senator remained resolute, asserting that such threats would not deter him from his congressional duties. “If this is meant to intimidate me and other members of Congress from doing our jobs and holding this administration accountable, it won’t work,” Kelly declared.
He continued, underscoring his commitment to public service: “I’ve given too much to this country to be silenced by bullies who care more about their own power than protecting the constitution.” Kelly’s steadfastness highlights the escalating tensions between certain congressional Democrats and the Trump administration regarding the military’s role and loyalty.
Pentagon Investigation and Legal Ramifications
The senator’s remarks followed closely on the heels of the Pentagon’s announcement that it was initiating an investigation into Kelly. This probe was triggered after Trump vehemently protested that Kelly and five other Democratic lawmakers “should be in jail right now.” Their alleged transgression was releasing a video that advised service members that “threats to our constitution” were emanating “from right here at home.” The video also explicitly stated that military personnel possess the right to “refuse illegal orders.”
The situation intensified on Tuesday when Fox News reported that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) had contacted the US Capitol Police in Washington D.C. to arrange interviews with the six implicated Democrats. Furthermore, the Pentagon issued a stark warning, indicating it could potentially recall Kelly to active duty for a court-martial. The military agency cited a federal law that prohibits military retirees from interfering “with the loyalty, morale, or good order and di…”
This unfolding controversy underscores a significant clash over the interpretation of military duty and the boundaries of political dissent, with potentially serious implications for the involved lawmakers and the broader relationship between the military and civilian leadership.
Source: The Guardian
