President Donald Trump calls Arizona U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly a ‘traitor’ who should face death penalty

PHOENIX — President Donald Trump called Arizona U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly and five other congressional Democrats “traitors” who deserve the death penalty for telling military members they don’t have to follow illegal orders. 

Kelly, Sen. Elissa Slotkin (Mich.), and Reps. Jason Crow (Colo.), Chris Deluzio (Pa.), Chrissy Houlahan (Pa.) and Maggie Goodlander (N.H.) delivered the message in a video posted Tuesday.

Trump lashed out Thursday on Truth Social in a response to a Washington Examiner article about the video.

“It’s called SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL,” the president posted. “Each one of these traitors to our Country should be ARRESTED AND PUT ON TRIAL. Their words cannot be allowed to stand – We won’t have a Country anymore!!! An example MUST BE SET.”

Trump later added that he believes the video was “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!”

The group of Democrats then issued a joint statement vowing that they would keep pushing their message.

We are veterans and national security professionals who love this country and swore an oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. That oath lasts a lifetime, and we intend to keep it. No threat, intimidation or call for violence will deter us from that sacred obligation.

What’s most telling is that the president considers it punishable by death for us to restate the law. Our servicemembers should know that we have their backs as they fulfill their oath to the Constitution and obligation to follow only lawful orders. It is not only the right thing to do, but also our duty.

But this isn’t about any one of us. This isn’t about politics. This is about who we are as Americans. Every American must unite and condemn the president’s calls for our murder and political violence. This is a time for moral clarity.

In these moments, fear is contagious, but so is courage. We will continue to lead and will not be intimidated.

Don’t give up the ship!

What was purpose of video from Kelly, Democrats?

In Tuesday’s video, the Democrats called for members of the U.S. military and intelligence communities to refuse illegal orders from their commanding officers and superiors, but did not specify what exact orders they were referring to.

We want to speak directly to members of the Military and the Intelligence Community.

The American people need you to stand up for our laws and our Constitution.

Don’t give up the ship. pic.twitter.com/N8lW0EpQ7r

— Sen. Elissa Slotkin (@SenatorSlotkin) November 18, 2025

Kelly expanded on the message Wednesday, when he told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Arizona’s Morning News that the group was specifically referring to recent strikes against alleged drug smuggling boats in the Caribbean Sea, which he believes are “really close” to crossing over into illegal activity.

“I served in the United States Navy for 25 years under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, the UCMJ,” Kelly said. “It’s actually required that you do not follow illegal orders. And this president has gone really close to crossing that line, if not crossed it.”

Ultimately, the senator said the purpose of the video was to remind members of the military “what their responsibilities are under the Constitution,” and that he is concerned about the impact of the strikes on the nation’s relationships in the international intelligence community.

“Just look to our closest ally, the United Kingdom. We share intelligence, five countries, we share everything. As of this week, they stopped sharing intelligence with us in the Caribbean about these drug boats because they feel that these strikes against these drug boats are against the law,” Kelly said. “Members of the military should not be following illegal orders.”

Related

Sen. Mark Kelly expects health care vote in December after bipartisan negotiationsSen. Mark Kelly says President Donald Trump saw 'writing on the wall' with Epstein filesJay Feely projected winner in CD-1; Dem race still too close to callMark Lamb wins AZ-5 Republican primary, will face newcomer Elizabeth LeeAndy Biggs projected winner in Arizona governor primary, will face Katie HobbsMaricopa County Recorder Justin Heap expects signature verification done by midday Wednesday