Summary
Legal experts are debating whether the Pentagon can take action against Senator Mark Kelly for telling U.S. troops to ignore "illegal orders" in a video. President Trump criticized Kelly's remarks, but experts say Kelly, as a civilian lawmaker, is protected by the Constitution, making military punishment unlikely. The Pentagon is investigating, but experts believe prosecution is improbable due to constitutional protections.
Key Facts
- Senator Mark Kelly, a retired Navy fighter pilot, appeared in a video asking troops to defy "illegal orders."
- President Trump condemned Kelly's remarks on social media.
- The Pentagon is investigating Kelly because he is a retired officer still under limited military jurisdiction.
- Legal experts note that recalling Kelly to active duty for prosecution would be difficult due to constitutional protections.
- Experts say that disciplining a U.S. senator as suggested would conflict with legislative independence principles.
- The investigation is ongoing, but experts predict it will not lead to prosecution or disciplinary action.
