The Pentagon is currently investigating U.S. Senator Mark Kelly for participating in a video that urged military members to refuse “illegal orders” and has suggested he could be recalled to active duty to face punishment, including a court-martial.
The situation is developing as of November 24-25, 2025:
The Allegation: Senator Kelly, a retired Navy Captain and former NASA astronaut, appeared in a video with five other Democratic lawmakers (also veterans/former intelligence officials) reminding service members of their duty to disobey unlawful orders.
The Pentagon’s Position: The Department of Defense (DOD) initiated a “thorough review” into Kelly, citing “serious allegations of misconduct” and suggesting his statements interfered with the “loyalty, morale, or good order and discipline of the armed forces”.
Potential Punishments: Since Kelly is a retired commissioned officer, he remains subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) under certain circumstances and could be recalled to active duty to face Court-martial proceedings.
Kelly has dismissed the move as an intimidation tactic, stating that he has risked his life for the country and will not be “silenced by bullies who care more about their own power than protecting the Constitution”.
Military law experts note that service members are, in fact, required to refuse “patently illegal” orders. The core of the issue is whether the video’s contents constitute a challenge to the military’s chain of command and good order and discipline, or simply a restatement of existing military law.
The investigation is ongoing, and it is not yet certain if formal charges will be brought or what the final outcome will be.
contrary voice here. I have not seen the video or read the article (of course) but what is controversial about saying you would refuse an illegal order?
Who is he referring too, Schiff or Pelosi, or Biden or Wray/Comey ?
“Recalled to Active Duty”——
Fascinating!
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Oath Keepers comes to mind.
Interesting
We already had the Admiral of the task force in Venezuela resign rather than continue to carry orders he felt were not legal.
As far as I am concerned Trump’s orders to shoot these boats out of the water and kill those people was over the top and not necessary. Those boats could have been interdicted and boarded to be searched as the usual custom.
I will remind folks that in 1949 we had the revolt of the Admirals, including Fleet Admirals Nimitz and Halsey.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Revolt_of_the_Admirals
None of those Admirals were court-marshled