The US Department of Defense is conducting an investigation into Senator Mark Kelly following his appearance in a viral video that has sparked controversy.
The former astronaut from NASA was among six Democratic lawmakers urging military and intelligence personnel to decline ‘unlawful commands’ from the government.
There has been no clarification on the specific commands being referenced.
Other Democrats involved in the video, which was shared on social media last week, include Elissa Slotkin, Maggie Goodlander, Chris Deluzio, Chrissy Houlahan, and Jason Crow.
In the video, they address service members, stating: “Like us, you all swore an oath to protect and defend this constitution.
“And right now, the threats to our constitution aren’t just coming from abroad, but from right here at home.
“Our laws are clear, you can refuse illegal orders… you must refuse illegal orders. No one has to carry out orders that violate the law or our constitution.”
The video has garnered over 17 million views on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
Former President Donald Trump criticized it as ‘seditious behavior at the highest level’ and implied that it was ‘punishable by death.’
Sedition is defined as activities or speech intended to incite resistance, disobedience, or rebellion against lawful authority.
The Pentagon has now confirmed it is looking into ‘serious allegations of misconduct’ against Kelly, who served in the Navy from 1986 to 2011.
During his naval career, he achieved the rank of Captain and flew combat missions in the Gulf War as a naval aviator.
Kelly, alongside his identical twin brother Scott, joined NASA as an astronaut in 1996 and served until his retirement in October 2011.
In November 2020, he was elected as the Senator for Arizona.
According to a statement from the Department of War, a ‘thorough review’ is underway to ‘determine further actions, which may include recall to active duty for court-martial proceedings or administrative measures’.
“This matter will be handled in compliance with military law, ensuring due process and impartiality,” the statement continued. “Further official comments will be limited, to preserve the integrity of the proceedings.”
The statement emphasized that ‘military retirees remain subject to the UCMJ [Uniform Code of Military Justice] for applicable offenses,’ and federal laws prohibit actions ‘intended to interfere with the loyalty, morale, or good order and discipline of the armed forces.’
“All servicemembers are reminded that they have a legal obligation under the UCMJ to obey lawful orders and that orders are presumed to be lawful,” the statement concluded.
“A servicemember’s personal philosophy does not justify or excuse the disobedience of an otherwise lawful order.”
Pete Hegseth, US Secretary of War, responded to the statement on X.
He described the video as ‘despicable, reckless, and false’, adding: “Mark Kelly (retired Navy Commander) is still subject to UCMJ – and he knows that.”
Hegseth accused him of ‘explicitly using his rank and service affiliation – lending the appearance of authority to his words’.
“Kelly’s conduct brings discredit upon the armed forces and will be addressed appropriately,” he concluded.
On his website, Kelly issued a statement claiming Hegseth’s tweet was the first he had heard of the investigation.
“I also saw the President’s posts saying I should be arrested, hanged, and put to death,” he added.
“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,” he concluded.
“I’ve given too much to this country to be silenced by bullies who care more about their own power than protecting the Constitution.”