Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) defended Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) from the Trump administration’s “frivolous” investigation into him on Tuesday, saying he and other Democrats were “rightfully” telling U.S. service members they can reject illegal orders.
Kelly is one of six Democratic veterans who appeared in a video encouraging service members to refuse illegal orders. He is now facing a “thorough review” from the Department of War over “serious allegations of misconduct.” None of the six Democrats in the video specified any illegal orders President Donald Trump has given, prompting scrutiny from some.
Murkowski came to Kelly’s aid on X, saying he “valiantly” served as a U.S. Navy aviator and as a NASA astronaut.
“To accuse him and other lawmakers of treason and sedition for rightfully pointing out that servicemembers can refuse illegal orders is reckless and flat-out wrong. The Department of Defense and FBI surely have more important priorities than this frivolous investigation,” Murkowski said on X.
Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) also defended Kelly amid the Pentagon’s investigation, though he has been much more critical than Murkowski. The fellow Arizona senator reposted the Pentagon’s announcement on X with a statement reading, “F*** you and your investigation.”
MARK KELLY HASN’T BREACHED MILITARY LAW
Washington Examiner chief political correspondent Byron York said Tuesday the criticism lobbed at Kelly and his participation in the viral video is “entirely appropriate.” However, he aired caution against pursuing “military justice” against Kelly, as it could come across as “overkill.”
Trump said on Truth Social the Democratic lawmakers in the video should be in jail “RIGHT NOW.” He previously claimed they were enacting “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH.”
The Washington Examiner contacted Murkowski’s office for comment.
