Pentagon TARGETS Dem Senator – Constitutional Crisis

The Pentagon emblem between two flags.

A Pentagon investigation into Senator Mark Kelly threatens to upend decades of precedent regarding military authority over retired officers who dare to remind troops of their constitutional duties.

Story Highlights

  • Pentagon launches investigation into Senator Mark Kelly over video urging troops to refuse illegal orders
  • Military threatens potential court martial proceedings against the retired Navy captain turned Senator
  • Kelly’s video emerged amid concerns about military personnel following unlawful commands
  • Constitutional questions arise over military jurisdiction versus Senate immunity
  • Investigation represents unprecedented clash between Pentagon and sitting Senator

Senator’s Constitutional Reminder Triggers Military Response

Senator Mark Kelly found himself in the Pentagon’s crosshairs after releasing a video reminding military personnel of their duty to disobey illegal orders. The Arizona Democrat and retired Navy captain created the message amid growing concerns about potential misuse of military authority. His straightforward constitutional reminder has now sparked an extraordinary investigation that pits military justice against Senate privilege.

Kelly defended his actions as “non-partisan” guidance rooted in military law and constitutional principles. The Senator emphasized that troops swear an oath to the Constitution, not to any individual leader. This basic military principle, taught in every service academy and boot camp, has somehow become controversial enough to warrant Pentagon investigation.

Pentagon Asserts Unprecedented Authority Over Retired Officer

The Defense Department’s threat of court martial proceedings against Kelly breaks new ground in civil-military relations. Retired officers typically fall outside military justice jurisdiction for civilian activities, especially when serving as elected officials. The Pentagon’s aggressive stance suggests they view Kelly’s video as crossing a line that demands military rather than political response.

Military law experts question whether the Pentagon has legitimate authority to prosecute a sitting Senator for expressing constitutional views. The investigation raises fundamental questions about the balance between military discipline and democratic governance. Kelly’s dual status as retired military officer and elected official creates a unique legal battleground.

Constitutional Crisis Brewing Over Military Jurisdiction

The clash between Pentagon authority and Senate immunity threatens to create a constitutional crisis unprecedented in American history. Kelly’s video addressed basic military law requiring service members to refuse unlawful orders, a principle enshrined in the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Yet the Pentagon treats this reminder as potential misconduct worthy of court martial proceedings.

The investigation reveals concerning priorities within military leadership. Rather than focusing on external threats or readiness issues, Pentagon resources target a Senator for reinforcing constitutional principles. This misallocation of investigative energy raises questions about military leadership’s understanding of their proper role in American democracy.

Sources:

Pentagon threatens to court-martial Democratic senator – Fox News

Pentagon investigates Sen. Mark Kelly over video – Cleveland.com

Mark Kelly: call for troops to disobey illegal orders is ‘non-partisan’ – The Guardian