Stop the Pentagon’s Political Attack on Sen. Mark Kelly

The Pentagon is escalating an investigation into Senator Mark Kelly for speaking about unlawful military orders—a dangerous misuse of power that threatens free speech and democratic norms.

Senator Kelly, a decorated Navy veteran and former astronaut, joined other lawmakers in reminding service members of a basic legal truth: they are not required to follow unlawful orders. That principle is foundational to military law and the Constitution. Yet instead of defending it, Pentagon leadership has launched an extraordinary Command Investigation, signaling that elected officials can be punished for protected speech.

This escalation follows repeated attacks from President Trump accusing Kelly and other Democrats of disloyalty and even sedition. Using military authority to target political opponents crosses a dangerous line. It politicizes the armed forces and undermines their nonpartisan role in our democracy.

If a U.S. Senator with a lifetime of service can be investigated for speaking about constitutional limits, anyone can be silenced next. Legal and military justice experts warn that this kind of retaliation chills dissent, weakens civilian oversight, and sets a precedent that threatens democratic accountability.

The military exists to defend the Constitution, not to enforce political loyalty. We demand an immediate end to the investigation into Senator Mark Kelly and a clear commitment that military power will not be used to intimidate elected officials or suppress speech.

Sign now to defend free expression, protect democratic norms, and stop the political weaponization of the U.S. military.