Stephen A. Smith Sides With Trump
Political tensions escalated sharply this week after commentator Stephen A. Smith blasted Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) for appearing in a video that urged U.S. service members to reject so-called “illegal orders” from the Trump administration. The message, delivered directly to active-duty troops and intelligence personnel, sparked immediate backlash across the country.
During his SiriusXM broadcast, Smith said he was stunned that a sitting U.S. senator would speak to the military in such a way — especially during a time when national security remains a top concern for many Americans.
“Senator, with all due respect, what on earth are you thinking?” Smith said. “You’re staring into a camera and telling the very people who defend this country to disregard the Commander-in-Chief? That’s outrageous. You know better than that.”
Smith added that several members of his own family served in uniform, and “not one of them” supported the message promoted by Kelly and other Democrats.
The controversial video featured Kelly alongside Democratic Sen. Elissa Slotkin and Reps. Chris Deluzio, Maggie Goodlander, Chrissy Houlahan, and Jason Crow. The lawmakers spoke directly to service members, insisting: “Our laws are clear. You can refuse illegal orders.”
Their video was immediately criticized by supporters of President Trump, military families, and constitutional scholars who warned that such messaging could undermine the chain of command — a core principle of military discipline.
President Trump responded forcefully, calling the group “traitors” and later describing their actions as “sedition,” adding that such behavior is “punishable by death.” The White House clarified that while the president believes the lawmakers should face serious consequences, he does not support the death penalty in this case.
The controversy intensified on Monday when the Pentagon announced a formal inquiry into what it described as “serious allegations of misconduct” involving Sen. Kelly. According to the Department of Defense, the review will follow military law and may include administrative actions or, if warranted, recalling Kelly to active duty for potential court-martial proceedings.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered Navy Secretary John Phelan to complete a detailed review by December 10, signaling that the administration is treating the matter with significant urgency.
Kelly fired back in a statement, saying he has “sacrificed too much for this nation to be intimidated by people who value their own authority over the Constitution.” But the remark did little to calm concerns among veterans and conservative voters who saw the video as a political intrusion into the military.
For many Americans — especially those who served — the idea of politicians instructing troops to disobey the Commander-in-Chief crosses a bright line. As critics point out, a stable military chain of command is essential for national security, particularly during the turbulent global environment under President Trump’s leadership.
