By Wallace White | The Daily Caller News Foundation
The Pentagon is launching an investigation into Arizona Democrat Sen. Mark Kelly after he appeared with other Democrats in a recent video explicitly urging military members to disobey “illegal” orders from the Trump administration, the Department of War announced Monday.
Kelly appeared with five fellow Democrats in the video telling service members their “trust” with the American people is at risk and urging them not to “give up the ship.” Kelly reminded members of the Armed Forces that they “swore an oath” and said they can “refuse illegal orders.” The clear implication was that such orders are being given by President Donald Trump, servicemembers should refuse to obey.
However, Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin, who released the video, admitted on Sunday that she could not name one illegal order that the Trump administration has given to warrant disobedience.
Kelly, who is a retired Navy Captain, remains subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice and is eligible for recall as a retiree, as noted in the Department of War announcement. That status may not apply to other former military members in the video who are not retirees.
“The Department of War reminds all individuals that military retirees remain subject to the UCMJ for applicable offenses, and federal laws such as 18 U.S.C. § 2387 prohibit actions intended to interfere with the loyalty, morale, or good order and discipline of the armed forces,” the Pentagon stated. “Any violations will be addressed through appropriate legal channels.”
War Secretary Pete Hegseth called the Democrat lawmakers in the video the “seditious six” in an X post Monday while clarifying that Kelly was a retired Navy Commander and thus is still beholden to the Uniform code for Military Justice (UCMJ).
“As was announced, the Department is reviewing his statements and actions, which were addressed directly to all troops while explicitly using his rank and service affiliation—lending the appearance of authority to his words,” Hegseth said in his post. “Kelly’s conduct brings discredit upon the armed forces and will be addressed appropriately.”
The Pentagon declined to comment beyond the initial announcement. Kelly’s office did not immediately respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment.
First published on The Daily Caller
As a career Air Force veteran, combat pilot, and former Air Force Military Aide to President Bill Clinton, my personal statement about Democrats and the Sedition Six. pic.twitter.com/6RAzmnwCJ1
— Buzz Patterson (@BuzzPatterson) November 25, 2025
I believe this is a classic 5GW information operation designed to destroy our service-member’s confidence in the civil authority led by @realDonaldTrump as Commander-in-Chief. This just popped up outside Fort Bragg. @SecWar @Sec_Noem @TulsiGabbard @NCTCKent https://t.co/NOgvJ62l6u pic.twitter.com/1VdCquSyaa
— Rob Maness (@RobManess) November 26, 2025
From billboards outside Fort Bragg urging soldiers to defy orders, to a website created by retired JAG officers providing “advice” for those who think they’re being given unlawful orders, it’s very clear that infrastructure is being built in quick time to sever the ties between… https://t.co/Ui5JBMfYtZ pic.twitter.com/eXTnLdbv98
— Shoe (@samosaur) November 26, 2025
SEDITIOUS.
President Trump has never issued a single illegal order.
The Democrats know exactly what they’re doing – and they’re doing it anyway. pic.twitter.com/LSvZaa4v4r
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) November 21, 2025
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