Mark Kelly
FILE – Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., speaks during a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing, at the Capitol in Washington, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/John McDonnell, File)

The Pentagon is investigating Sen. Mark Kelly over a video he participated in that encouraged US troops to defy “illegal orders.” Here’s what our readers think about it.

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We’ve been following the story of the Pentagon investigating US Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona over a video he participated in that encouraged US troops to defy “illegal orders.”

President Donald Trump accused Kelly and the other five Democrats in the video of sedition, which Trump said was “punishable by DEATH.”

Kelly has said the president is trying to bully him into silence. 

“This administration is scared of being held accountable, so they’re trying to intimidate me. Make no mistake—no President or unqualified Secretary of Defense is going to stop me from doing my job,” Kelly wrote in a Facebook post on Sunday. 

The Associated Press interviewed legal experts, who expressed skepticism over the legal grounds of the investigation. 

We asked our newsletter readers for their thoughts on the investigation. Here are some of the responses:

💬 “What do I think about this Mark Kelly persecution? Just like the felon 47, and his entire administration: It stinks. It’s just a diversion from the Epstein files.” — Greg P.

💬 “Let him be investigated, and hopefully the truth will be known.” — Allison G.

💬 “I support Senator Kelly. Trump is running the country like a mob boss.” — Marsha B.

💬 “They all should be tried for treason.” — John M.

💬 “As an Arizona resident, US Army Infantry veteran and patriotic American, I fully support Senator Kelly. … The 6 senators were only reiterating facts and instructions we all received in basic training and beyond.” — Duane B.

💬 “We need more citizens like Mark Kelly who are not afraid to fight for freedom!” — Nancy B.

💬 “Trump and his regime need to be held accountable for THEIR actions. I wholly agree with Mark Kelly and his 5 colleagues, no member of the military should ever follow an unlawful order.” — Sue

💬 Kelly just violated military code. Trump is the leader of the military. Kelly is a liberal hack. Prosecute!” — Janet B.

💬 “We all need to stand up, like Mark Kelly!” — Joseph M.

💬 “Ignorance and manipulation are at the heart of this investigation. — C.J.

💬 “I’m sick to death of this debacle called the “Trump Administration,” which is built on nothing but lies, fear-mongering and fear. He and his ilk need to go. Now.” — Kelley I.

💬 Only negative opinions appear about Trump. If Trump, or his administration could find a cure for cancer, some Trump haters would find fault with that.” — Howard D.

💬 I’m a retired Navy pilot and find the ‘don’t obey unlawful orders’ foolish. Every service member gets training on the UCMJ, and knows not to follow obvious illegal orders. The politicians are only grandstanding and virtue signaling at best.” — John C.

💬 “I am retired from the USAF. Senator Kelly and his colleagues merely recited the UCMJ, Article 92. The military is taught this in Basic Training as well as the Geneva convention. I praise them for reciting the law.” — Rhonda G.

 

WATCH: Sen. Mark Kelly speaks on ‘Jimmy Kimmel’