Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) is taking heavy political fire as the Pentagon launches a formal investigation into his role in a video urging military and intelligence personnel to defy what he and other Democrats claim would be “illegal orders” from President Donald Trump.
Kelly, a retired Navy captain, is one of six lawmakers now under review after appearing in the November video directly addressing active-duty troops.
The message from the “Seditious Six” tells service members to resist commands they “believe” cross constitutional lines, including the blunt warning:
“Right now, the threats to our Constitution aren’t just coming from abroad, but from right here at home.”
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth condemned the move, stating it “brings discredit upon the armed forces and will be addressed appropriately.”
Because the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) applies to retired military personnel, investigators are weighing whether Kelly and the others violated the law.
President Donald Trump blasted the group on Truth Social, branding them “TRAITORS” and reposting statements calling their conduct “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH.”
While the Democrats’ corporate media allies and their so-called “fact-checkers” scramble to downplay the uproar, the reaction within the military was far more serious:
Any suggestion of encouraging troops to ignore orders is viewed as destabilizing and potentially dangerous.
China Balloon Scandal Returns
As the sedition controversy erupts, Kelly is also facing fresh scrutiny over an older problem: his connection to a China-linked surveillance balloon company.
Kelly co-founded World View Enterprises, a high-altitude balloon operation that accepted $8.1 million from Tencent, the Chinese technology giant that U.S. officials frequently flag as a CCP-aligned risk.
A viral post reignited the criticism:
“Seditious Mark Kelly ‘started spy balloon company funded by China.’
“He’s not for America or Americans.”
World View has long insisted it did not export sensitive tech, but national security analysts warn that Chinese investment alone opens the door to espionage vulnerabilities.
Kelly has tried to distance himself from the venture, but the resurfaced controversy now collides directly with his national-security messaging.
Democrats Defend Kelly, But Critics Point to Voting Record
Kelly’s allies insist the video simply reminded troops of their constitutional obligations.
Fellow Arizona Democrat Ruben Gallego responded with a profanity-laced attack on Republicans, a move critics say further undermines the moral high ground the lawmakers claim to hold.
CNN’s Jeffrey Toobin defended the group, arguing they “erected a straw man” because no illegal orders have been issued.
But conservatives note that both Kelly and Gallego voted against paying U.S. troops during the government shutdown in October 2025.
This decision undercuts their newfound rhetoric about protecting the military.
Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) supported troop pay, leaving Kelly isolated on the vote.
Conservatives Warn of Long-Term Damage
Critics say the combination is politically devastating: a Pentagon investigation over a message that could encourage insubordination, paired with a resurfaced China funding controversy that undermines Kelly’s credibility on national security.
Glenn Beck issued one of the strongest warnings:
“Once the military begins to decide on its own which orders are legitimate… you no longer have a republic.”
The Pentagon inquiry continues to widen, and Kelly enters the special election cycle with two crises now converging:
One involving the U.S. military, and another involving China.
READ MORE – Democrat Senator Accuses Pete Hegseth of ‘War Crimes’ Over Drug Cartel Strikes
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