The U.S. Department of Defense announced on November 24, 2025, that it is investigating Senator Mark Kelly, a Democrat from Arizona and retired Navy captain, for serious allegations of misconduct. This inquiry follows a video in which Kelly, alongside five other Democratic lawmakers, urged military and intelligence personnel to reject illegal orders from the administration of former President Donald Trump. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth characterized the video, which has been labeled as produced by the 'Seditious Six,' as 'despicable, reckless, and false.'

The investigation is significant as it underscores the tension between military obedience and the ethical considerations surrounding lawful orders, particularly in the context of political discourse. The Department of War emphasized that all servicemembers are legally obligated under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) to obey lawful orders, which are presumed to be lawful unless proven otherwise.

In response to the video, President Trump suggested that the lawmakers involved should face arrest and trial, describing their actions as seditious. He later clarified that he was not directly threatening death but indicated that the lawmakers were in 'serious trouble.' The video included a reminder to military personnel of their rights and emphasized their oath to protect the Constitution, which has drawn criticism from the Trump administration.

Senator Ruben Gallego defended Kelly's actions as patriotic and necessary, while the investigation has escalated tensions, leading to threats against the safety of some lawmakers, including bomb threats directed at Senator Elissa Slotkin. The implications of this investigation reflect ongoing concerns about the relationship between military conduct and political statements made by elected officials, particularly in a polarized political environment.