Kelly to Hegseth: Pentagon investigation over ‘illegal orders’ video won’t ‘intimidate me’ is a situation that’s really got people talking, and for good reason. It all started with a video from Senator Mark Kelly, where he essentially reminded service members of their duty to uphold the law and not follow illegal orders. That’s a pretty straightforward message, right? But the reaction from some corners, particularly the Trump administration, has been anything but.
The response from the administration, with calls for Kelly’s arrest and even suggestions of execution, is what’s truly alarming. It’s like they’re trying to punish someone for simply stating the obvious – that soldiers aren’t supposed to obey orders that break the law.… Continue reading
The Pentagon announced an investigation into Democratic Senator Mark Kelly, a retired Navy captain, due to “serious allegations of misconduct.” This probe comes amid President Donald Trump’s criticism of Kelly and five other Democratic lawmakers for a video advising service members to disobey illegal orders. Because Kelly is retired from the Navy, he could be recalled to active duty, potentially facing a court-martial. Legal experts and others have criticized Trump’s actions, with some calling them an abuse of power.
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The Pentagon has initiated an investigation into Democratic Senator Mark Kelly for potential violations of military law after he participated in a video urging U.S. troops to reject unlawful orders. The Pentagon cited a federal law allowing for the recall of retired service members, like Kelly, for possible court-martial or other actions, indicating his statements may have interfered with military order and discipline. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated Kelly was the only lawmaker targeted because he is the only one who formally retired from the military, placing him under the Pentagon’s jurisdiction. The video, released last Tuesday, also prompted criticism from President Donald Trump who accused the lawmakers of sedition, although reactions from troops online have been minimal.
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A U.S. District Court judge recently ruled the National Guard’s deployment to Washington, D.C. was illegal. Judge Jia Cobb determined the Pentagon overstepped its authority by ordering troops for non-military crime-deterrence without city leadership’s permission. This stemmed from the former president’s deployment of the National Guard to combat perceived rising crime, despite crime statistics actually decreasing. The court found the president lacked authority to federalize law enforcement in American cities, particularly in Washington, D.C.
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In a peculiar incident, Department of Defense contractors mistakenly declared a Mexican beach as U.S. territory. The contractors, intending to mark a “National Defense Area” on the Texas side, inadvertently planted six signs south of the U.S.-Mexico border. The Mexican Navy intervened, discovering the error, and removed the signs. The Pentagon attributed the mishap to altered topography and stated plans to prevent future confusion, while the Mexican government initiated an investigation, involving the International Boundary and Water Commission.
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The Pentagon is undergoing a major leadership overhaul under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, with Rear Admiral Kurt Rothenhaus, head of the Office of Naval Research, being replaced by 33-year-old Rachel Riley, a former DOGE employee, who lacks military experience. This follows the departure of three-star General Joe McGee, who served on the Joint Staff, amidst reported tension. These moves are part of a broader trend of experienced officials being removed from their positions within the Defense Department under the current administration, alongside previous high-profile dismissals of key military leaders.
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As part of an ongoing initiative, the Pentagon has directed thousands of National Guard personnel to undergo civil unrest mission training in the coming months. This training signals a potential shift, suggesting the Trump administration may be moving toward deploying uniformed military forces in urban areas, a practice previously reserved for extreme emergencies. This decision follows a period of heightened tensions and public demonstrations across the country. The increased focus on civil unrest training indicates a growing concern within the government about potential social instability.
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According to an internal Pentagon directive, all 50 US states, the District of Columbia, and US territories have been ordered to create “quick reaction forces” trained in riot control, including the use of various crowd control equipment. The directive, citing a prior executive order, mandates specific training for thousands of National Guard members nationwide, with a goal to be operational by January 1, 2026. This initiative has raised concerns that the forces could be used for political purposes, such as suppressing elections, and recalls the historical use of National Guard troops in quelling civil unrest. Military trainers will be deployed to each state to facilitate the training, and each state is required to report monthly on its progress.
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The Department of Defense, under Pete Hegseth, is reportedly requiring military officials involved in the Trump administration’s Caribbean strikes to sign non-disclosure agreements, even though existing rules already cover national security secrets. These strikes, which have resulted in at least 57 deaths since September, have drawn scrutiny and concerns from lawmakers and human rights groups. The administration defends these attacks as targeting drug traffickers, yet has been criticized for a lack of transparency, including withholding unedited footage and details about the victims. Hegseth has also taken steps to control information, including restricting press access and limiting communication between generals and Congress.
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The Pentagon has accepted a $130 million anonymous donation to aid military personnel pay during the ongoing government shutdown, sparking ethical concerns. Despite the substantial sum, the donation only covers a fraction of the total needed for service member compensation, raising questions about financial sustainability. While President Trump lauded the donor as a “patriot,” details regarding the donation’s legality and potential conflicts of interest remain unclear. Experts are calling for more transparency, particularly regarding the Pentagon’s policies on gift acceptance and potential donor involvement in government matters.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker
ICE Claims “System Crash” Wipes Evidence One Day After Lawsuit
A U.S. District Court judge recently ruled the National Guard’s deployment to Washington, D.C. was illegal. Judge Jia Cobb determined the Pentagon overstepped its authority by ordering troops for non-military crime-deterrence without city leadership’s permission. This stemmed from the former president’s deployment of the National Guard to combat perceived rising crime, despite crime statistics actually decreasing. The court found the president lacked authority to federalize law enforcement in American cities, particularly in Washington, D.C.
Read More