Senator Mark Kelly has called on congressional Republicans to denounce former President Donald Trump’s recent threats directed at him and five other Democratic lawmakers. The senators had publicly stated that military personnel are not obliged to follow illegal orders, a sentiment Kelly reiterated during his appearance on CBS’s Face the Nation.
Kelly expressed frustration over the lack of response from Republican leaders, noting, “We’ve heard very little, basically crickets, from Republicans in the United States Congress about what the president has said about hanging members of Congress.” He pointed out the inconsistency in Trump’s plea for moderation from Democrats following the shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in September, questioning, “What happened to that?”
Highlighting the weight of Trump’s words, Kelly emphasized that such rhetoric increases threats against lawmakers. Earlier in the week, he and the five other lawmakers released a video appealing to active-duty military and intelligence personnel, reinforcing that “our laws are clear. You can refuse illegal orders.” This group comprises individuals with military or intelligence backgrounds, including Kelly, who served for 25 years in the Navy.
Trump responded to their message on social media by calling for the lawmakers to be arrested and tried for what he described as “seditious behavior.” He further inflamed tensions with remarks implying that such behavior should be punishable by death.
In a joint statement, House Democratic leaders, including Hakeem Jeffries, Katherine Clark, and Pete Aguilar, condemned Trump’s comments, asserting that “political violence has no place in America.” Kelly reiterated his determination not to be intimidated by the former president’s threats.
Senator Amy Klobuchar also weighed in, denouncing Trump’s comments as “dangerous” during an interview on Meet the Press. She emphasized the severity of Trump’s threats, stating, “What is dangerous is the president of the United States threatening these members of Congress with death.”
Vice President JD Vance added his perspective, contending that if Trump had not issued illegal orders, then the actions of Congress members asking the military to disobey him would be illegal by definition.
The developments signal a significant moment of tension in American politics, highlighting the urgent need for bipartisan condemnation of threats against elected officials and the principles of democratic governance. As lawmakers navigate these turbulent waters, the call for unity against rhetoric that incites violence gains importance.