This is Senator Mark Kelly’s response to the censure. I’ll not add my thoughts as they don’t matter.
Videos
I am sure most people here are familiar with the unfolding controversy over Mark Kelly's recent video stating that soldiers can disobey illegal orders, with Hegseth having just ordered an investigation of the issue: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2025/nov/25/us-politics-pam-bondi-appeal-james-comey-letitia-james-cases-donald-trump-venezuela-latest-updates
What I want to understand is what reason anyone has why this kind of statement is wrong or unreasonable to make, when the Secretary of Defense, Hegseth himself, just recently stated his intent to not follow rules of engagement.
You can read his full speech here: https://www.war.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/4318689/secretary-of-war-pete-hegseth-addresses-general-and-flag-officers-at-quantico-v/
But I am referring to this excerpt:
>War is something you do sparingly on our own terms and with clear aims. We fight to win. We unleash overwhelming and punishing violence on the enemy.
We also don't fight with stupid rules of engagement. We untie the hands of our warfighters to intimidate, demoralize, hunt and kill the enemies of our country.
The US Marine Corps describes the Rules of Engagement as "those directives that delineate the circumstances and limitations under which United States (US) forces will initiate and/or continue combat engagement." It is a subset of the law of war. See here: https://www.trngcmd.marines.mil/Portals/207/Docs/TBS/B130936%20Law%20of%20War%20and%20Rules%20Of%20Engagement.pdf
He does not say he's going to change the rules of engagement. He simply says they're not going to fight with them. So it seems this is an unambiguous announcement of intent to issue illegal orders. Why then would it be wrong, let alone illegal, for a representative to say that soldiers can and should disobey illegal orders?
He was my choice for Harris's running mate. He cooled down pretty fast. Is there a reason why that I don't know about? I know he's a lot of "more of the same" that most of us are tired of, but given the options we had I felt he was the strongest. His depth of character and history of experience in the military, with NASA, and in congress gave him a strong look that we need. At least that's how I felt at the time. I know he's not the most progressive but anything is an improvement on where we're at now. Would the folks of AskALiberal like to see more of him or nah?
It's been announced that Senator Kelly is being Command investigated. Do you think Sen. Kelly was in violation of UCMJ or is this all theater?
(to preface, this is not saying anything negative towards him, just personally curious)
I remember seeing his ads years ago on TV, never thought much of it. Guess I didn't even pay attention enough since I never knew he was a senator of ours until like a year ago. Haven't really heard much about him lately, but I've seen a few people call out that he would be an interesting Dem VP pick.
Again, haven't heard much about him for a minute, but I guess politically wise that's not necessarily a bad thing. Never even really heard him being discussed politically or even as a person locally. I've at least heard as a person he's a really nice guy and has led a pretty interesting life.
Anyone have any input?
(I did notice rule 3 so if this applies I will remove/mods can remove, all good, don't think i'm much of a 'regular' per se)
https://apnews.com/article/pentagon-mark-kelly-troop-investigation-4882f76b05dcdfa3060c284c2c84dd12?utm_source=onesignal&utm_medium=push&utm_campaign=2025-11-24-Breaking+News
When I was 22 years old, I commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Navy and swore an oath to the Constitution. I upheld that oath through flight school, multiple deployments on the USS Midway, 39 combat missions in Operation Desert Storm, test pilot school, four space shuttle flights at NASA, and every day since I retired – which I did after my wife Gabby was shot in the head while serving her constituents.
In combat, I had a missile blow up next to my jet and flew through anti-aircraft fire to drop bombs on enemy targets. At NASA, I launched on a rocket, commanded the space shuttle, and was part of the recovery mission that brought home the bodies of my astronaut classmates who died on Columbia. I did all of this in service to this country that I love and has given me so much.
Secretary Hegseth’s tweet is the first I heard of this. I also saw the President’s posts saying I should be arrested, hanged, and put to death.
If this is meant to intimidate me and other members of Congress from doing our jobs and holding this administration accountable, it won’t work. I’ve given too much to this country to be silenced by bullies who care more about their own power than protecting the Constitution.
https://nypost.com/2025/11/24/us-news/department-of-war-opens-misconduct-probe-into-sen-mark-kelly-after-trump-accused-him-of-sedition/
ICYMI, the DoW released a statement that it is investigating Sen Mark Kelly (D-Arizona) for “misconduct” (their words), presumably in relation to a video message urging service members to disobey “illegal orders” that he appeared in.
By virtue of being a retired Captain, Kelly can be recalled to Active Duty. In this case, he could potentially be recalled in order to face a court-martial.
As far as I can find, the only instances of such a case being brought were for retired/separated individuals being charged with crimes committed during their service period.
This is going to become a whole thing isn't it?