GOP Defends Democrat
Growing clash in Washington raises major questions about military loyalty, national security, and political overreach.
Two Republican senators are publicly defending Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) as the Pentagon launches a high-profile investigation into allegations that Kelly and several other Democrats encouraged U.S. service members to reject so-called “illegal orders” from the Trump administration — a move critics warn could undermine the chain of command.
Sen. John Curtis (R-Utah) posted on X Tuesday, applauding Kelly’s military background and long record of service. Curtis said Kelly’s career “has been defined by service,” pointing to the Arizona senator’s decades in the U.S. Navy, where he rose to the rank of captain, and his later achievements flying four Space Shuttle missions as a NASA astronaut.
Hours later, Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) joined in, saying Kelly “valiantly served our country” and insisting accusations of treason or sedition were “reckless and flat-out wrong.” She argued the Pentagon and FBI “surely have more important priorities” than pursuing what she called a “frivolous” political investigation.
The Video That Sparked a National Debate
The controversy erupted after Kelly and five other Democratic lawmakers — Sen. Elissa Slotkin and Reps. Chris Deluzio, Maggie Goodlander, Chrissy Houlahan, and Jason Crow — appeared in a video aimed directly at active-duty service members. In the video, they told troops, “Our laws are clear. You can refuse illegal orders.”
All six lawmakers have military or intelligence experience, but their message immediately raised red flags among conservatives who saw it as an attempt to influence the military against President Trump.
Trump Responds: ‘SEDITION AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL’
President Trump did not hold back. On Truth Social, he blasted the group as “traitors,” adding that what they said amounted to “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!”
Later, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified that President Trump supports strong consequences but does not want the lawmakers executed.
By Saturday evening, Trump intensified his stance again, writing that the lawmakers “SHOULD BE IN JAIL RIGHT NOW” and accusing them of attempting to undermine the lawful authority of the Commander-in-Chief.
What the Law Actually Says
Under federal law, individuals convicted of seditious conspiracy can face up to 20 years in prison.
Under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, service members found guilty of sedition can face even harsher penalties — including the death penalty in extreme cases.
The Pentagon issued a statement promising that its review of Kelly and the other Democrats will follow military law, ensure due process, and remain impartial. Kelly has pushed back strongly, denying any wrongdoing.
Why This Story Matters
For conservative Americans — especially voters age 50+ — the situation highlights growing concerns about:
- The politicization of the military
- Attempts to weaken President Trump’s authority as Commander-in-Chief
- Rising tensions between lawmakers and national security institutions
- The broader issue of loyalty within America’s defense community
As the investigation moves forward, the clash between the Pentagon, the lawmakers involved, and President Trump is likely to intensify, with major implications for national security and civilian-military relations.
