The Department of Defense has initiated a formal investigation into Senator Mark Kelly, a Democrat from Arizona, following his participation in a video that encouraged military members to refuse illegal orders. This video, which included five other Democratic lawmakers, has been characterized by critics as promoting disobedience to military commands, although no specific unlawful orders were cited.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth criticized Kelly's actions, questioning his display of military uniform and accusing him of undermining military discipline. Kelly, a Navy veteran with a history of service during Operation Desert Storm and as a NASA astronaut, defended his stance by emphasizing his commitment to the Constitution and the rights of service members. He stated that he has consistently upheld his oath and criticized calls for his arrest as attempts to intimidate lawmakers from performing their duties.

The Pentagon has indicated that Kelly could face court-martial proceedings or other administrative actions under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The investigation is expected to adhere to military law, ensuring due process and impartiality.

In a related development, the FBI has begun interviewing six Democratic lawmakers, including Kelly, regarding their public assertions that military personnel have the legal right to refuse unlawful orders. This inquiry follows threats from President Donald Trump, who has accused the lawmakers of sedition, a charge that carries severe penalties under military law. Critics of the Trump administration have raised concerns about the legality of military actions ordered by the administration, particularly regarding operations justified under the guise of countering drug trafficking.

The situation has sparked broader discussions about the responsibilities of public officials in addressing military conduct and the implications of their statements on military morale and operational integrity. Kelly's emphasis on service members' rights underscores ongoing debates about the ethical and legal responsibilities of military personnel in the face of potentially unlawful orders, as well as the accountability of political leaders in such matters.