Top Democrat Snaps On Hegseth
Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., used a late-night TV appearance to go after War Secretary Pete Hegseth, calling him “totally unqualified” and dismissing the growing controversy surrounding the Democrats’ now-infamous “illegal orders” video.
Kelly made the remarks on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Tuesday, just hours after Secretary Hegseth criticized Kelly and five other Democrat lawmakers for spreading confusion inside the U.S. military.
Kelly Attacks Hegseth Despite Previously Advancing His Nomination
Kelly acknowledged that he sat on the committee responsible for originally advancing Hegseth’s nomination, though he voted against him in the final confirmation.
The Arizona Democrat told Kimmel, “I don’t know Pete Hegseth well… he’s totally unqualified.”
He claimed Hegseth’s background made him unfit for the job and suggested the secretary’s loyalty was more political than professional.
Kelly added, “Nothing against journalists, they play an important role, but he’s not qualified. And from what I’ve heard from some Republican colleagues, he just wants to please the president.”
Democrats Spark Outrage With “Illegal Orders” Message to Military
Kelly, Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., and four other Democrats ignited a major backlash last week after posting a video urging military and intelligence personnel to ignore what they personally deemed “illegal orders.”
Hegseth responded forcefully, warning that their message “carries a different weight inside the military.”
He described the group—quickly dubbed the “Seditious Six”—as seasoned veterans who knew exactly what message they were sending and what impact it would have.
According to Hegseth, the video appeared designed as “a politically motivated influence operation.”
War Department Reviewing Possible Legal Action
The Department of War confirmed Monday that it is reviewing potential legal steps under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).
Kelly mocked the possibility during his interview, calling it “ridiculous.”
He told Kimmel, “He can go after me under the UCMJ, which is kind of wild, because we quoted it. And now he might prosecute me using the same law.”
Kelly Recounts How Trump Allegedly Reacted
Kelly described how he and Slotkin learned of President Trump’s initial reaction while sitting in a briefing.
A staffer reportedly handed Slotkin a note saying the president was “calling for your execution.”
Minutes later, Kelly said Slotkin returned and told him the president was now “calling for yours too.”
But President Trump never directly called for their execution.
Instead, he wrote that each of the lawmakers “should be ARRESTED AND PUT ON TRIAL,” adding a general reference to the broader context that seditious acts can carry severe penalties.
A Growing Clash Over Military Discipline and Political Theater
For Americans—especially military families, veterans, and older voters who value order, discipline, and a strong chain of command—the Democrats’ video has intensified worries over politicians encouraging servicemembers to second-guess lawful authority.
The controversy continues to expand as Secretary Hegseth and the War Department evaluate the appropriate response.
