The FBI is now investigating six congressional Democrats for what President Trump called “seditious behavior” after they encouraged military personnel to disobey orders in a controversial video that undermines military discipline and chain of command.
Story Overview
- FBI seeks interviews with Sen. Mark Kelly and five House Democrats over military disobedience video.
- Trump condemned lawmakers as “traitors” engaging in seditious behavior against military order.
- Pentagon investigating Kelly for misconduct, threatening court-martial under the military justice code.
- Defense Secretary Hegseth criticized Kelly’s uniform violations alongside accusations of sedition.
Democrats Face Federal Investigation Over Military Video
The FBI contacted House and Senate Sergeants at Arms, requesting interviews with Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona and five House Democrats regarding their participation in a video encouraging military members to refuse orders.
The lawmakers include Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin, along with Representatives Jason Crow of Colorado, Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire, Chris Deluzio, and Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania. President Trump denounced their 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 Misconduct Investigation Against Kelly
The Department of Defense opened a formal investigation into “serious allegations of misconduct” against retired Navy Captain Mark Kelly for his role in the controversial video.
Pentagon officials confirmed Kelly could be recalled to active military duty and face court-martial proceedings for potential violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
The UCMJ explicitly requires service members to obey lawful orders and maintain good order and discipline within the ranks.
Defense Secretary Criticizes Uniform Violations
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth publicly rebuked Kelly on social media for improperly displaying his Navy medals while defending the sedition video.
Hegseth, a former Army National Guard major, pointed out that Kelly’s medals were “out of order and rows reversed,” promising a uniform inspection if Kelly returns to active duty.
The criticism highlights Kelly’s failure to maintain military standards while simultaneously undermining military authority through his political messaging to active service members.
Lawmakers Claim Political Persecution Defense
The targeted Democrats issued a joint statement accusing President Trump of weaponizing the FBI to intimidate Congress members fulfilling their constitutional duties.
They maintained their oath to “support and defend the Constitution,” which justifies encouraging military personnel to refuse what they deem illegal orders.
However, their video directly challenges the military chain of command and could influence service members to question lawful orders from their superiors, potentially compromising national security and military effectiveness during critical operations.
