How a 90-second video put Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona at center of a national controversy
Why is U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona being accused of sedition, and what exactly does his video that sparked a national controversy say?
Watch: How could the Pentagon investigate Sen. Mark Kelly over 'orders' video? | 4 mins
PHOENIX – U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona is under investigation and facing threats over a 90-second video he made with five Democratic colleagues.
Why is the retired Navy pilot and former NASA astronaut now being accused of sedition, and what exactly does the controversial video say?
The video was posted a week ago on Nov. 18. The next day, Kelly told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Arizona’s Morning News it was made in response to a series of questionable actions and proposed actions dating back to President Donald Trump’s first administration. He cited strikes against alleged drug smuggling boats in the Caribbean Sea as the most recent example.
“The decision that he made to have members of the military use kinetic action and kill drug smugglers is really close to going over a line — and perhaps crossed it into illegal activity,” Kelly said.
President Donald Trump accuses Sen. Mark Kelly, others of sedition
The video didn’t become blockbuster news until two days after it was posted, when Trump mentioned the idea of sedition on his Truth Social account. One Nov. 20 post by Trump called the video “seditious behavior at the highest level” by “traitors,” and another said it was “punishable by death.”
On Sunday, Kelly told CBS’ “Face the Nation” he and his colleagues were facing “increased threats” after Trump accused them of sedition.
Then on Monday, the Pentagon announced it was reviewing “serious allegations of misconduct” against Kelly and warned he could face court-martial proceedings.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth added to the fire by labeling the video’s participants the “Seditious Six.” He also explained that Kelly is the only one under investigation because he, as a retired Navy commander, is currently subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice while the others aren’t.
Kelly told Rachel Maddow on MS NOW (formerly MSNBC) on Monday night he and his colleagues “wanted to do something pretty simple” with their message to the military and intelligence communities.
“We wanted to just remind folks that they need to comply with the law and be reminded, and also explain to members of the military that we have their backs, that we know what’s going on, it’s part of our job, accountability over the federal government. And this is the response we get. He told the world that we should be hanged,” he said.
The controversy grew Wednesday when the Democrats in the video confirmed that the FBI was seeking to interview them.
What did Democrats say in video that prompted sedition allegations?
Looking past all the rhetoric, what exactly does the video say?
It starts with each of the participants – Kelly, Sen. Elissa Slotkin (Mich.) and Reps. Jason Crow (Colo.), Chris Deluzio (Pa.), Chrissy Houlahan (Pa.) and Maggie Goodlander (N.H.) — identifying themselves and giving their military or intelligence credentials.
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
“I was a captain in the United States Navy,” Kelly says before the others reel off their experience.
Here is the text of the rest of the video, which the speakers take turns delivering, sometimes switching off in midsentence. (Note: some repeated phrases have been removed for clarity):
We want to speak directly to members of the military and the intelligence community who take risks each day to keep Americans safe.
We know you are under enormous stress and pressure right now. Americans trust their military, but that trust is at risk.
This administration is pitting our uniformed military and intelligence community professionals against American citizens.
Like us, you all swore an oath to protect and defend this Constitution. Right now, the threats to our Constitution aren’t just coming from abroad, but from right here at home.
Our laws are clear. You can refuse illegal orders. You must refuse illegal orders. No one has to carry out orders that violate the law or our Constitution.
We know this is hard and that it’s a difficult time to be a public servant. But whether you’re serving in the CIA, the Army, our Navy, the Air Force, your vigilance is critical — and know that we have your back.
Because now, more than ever, the American people need you. We need you to stand up for our laws, our Constitution and who we are as Americans.
Don’t give up the ship.
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Comments
34 Comments
The fact that they even needed to make this video tells you exactly where we are at right now. This administration is desperately seeking every loop hole and gray area they can to find a way to file fake charges against another political naysayer. Welcome to Fascism.
But the instigator was never brought to trial. THAT was one of the most massive failures of the justice system ever.
None of them can point to a single illegal order. Period. Full stop! Hate Trump if you want. But for a Senator of our country to question his orders to the military is out of line.