The FBI is now investigating six congressional Democrats for what President Trump condemned as “seditious behavior” after they encouraged military personnel to disobey orders in a controversial video.
Story Snapshot
- FBI seeks interviews with Sen. Mark Kelly and five other Democrats over military disobedience video.
- Trump called their actions “seditious behavior” and labeled the lawmakers “traitors.”
- Pentagon investigating Kelly for potential court-martial under the military justice code.
- Defense Secretary Hegseth publicly criticized Kelly’s uniform protocol violations.
Federal Investigation Targets Democrat Lawmakers
The FBI contacted House and Senate Sergeants at Arms, requesting interviews with Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona and five other congressional Democrats. The investigation stems from their participation in a November 18 video that encouraged military and intelligence personnel to refuse to follow orders they deemed illegal.
President Trump condemned the lawmakers’ actions as treasonous, stating such behavior was historically “punishable by death.”
FBI plans to interview Sen. Mark Kelly, other Democrats Trump accused of seditious behavior: reports https://t.co/hmC8PmEJJT
— CNBC (@CNBC) November 25, 2025
Pentagon Launches Military Justice Investigation
Defense officials announced a formal investigation into “serious allegations of misconduct” against Kelly, a retired Navy captain. The Pentagon indicated Kelly could face recall to active duty and potential court-martial proceedings under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
The UCMJ explicitly requires service members to obey lawful orders and regulations, making Kelly’s video statements potentially actionable under military law.
Defense Secretary Criticizes Kelly’s Military Protocol
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth publicly rebuked Kelly on social media, pointing out errors in the senator’s medal display during his response posts.
Hegseth, a former Army National Guard major, noted Kelly’s medals were “out of order and rows reversed,” adding that any return to active duty would begin with a uniform inspection.
This criticism underscores the administration’s view that Kelly has compromised military standards and discipline.
Democrats Claim Political Intimidation Campaign
The targeted lawmakers issued a joint statement characterizing the investigations as political harassment designed to silence congressional oversight. Representatives Goodlander, Crow, Deluzio, and Houlahan declared they would not be intimidated from performing their constitutional duties.
Kelly separately posted that the Pentagon probe “won’t work” if intended to prevent Congress from holding the administration accountable, further demonstrating the administration’s continued defiance of the investigation.
Constitutional Concerns Over Military Chain of Command
The video’s central message—that military personnel should refuse illegal orders—directly challenges established chain of command principles fundamental to military effectiveness.
While the lawmakers claim constitutional authority for their statements, their encouragement of selective order compliance undermines the disciplined structure essential for national defense.
This investigation represents a critical test of boundaries between congressional speech and military subversion, with significant implications for civil-military relations.
