By — Associated Press Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/watch-white-house-supports-pentagon-probe-of-sen-kelly-after-video-urging-troops-to-defy-illegal-orders Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter WATCH: White House supports Pentagon probe of Sen. Kelly after video urging troops to defy ‘illegal orders’ Politics Nov 24, 2025 5:26 PM EST The White House on Monday backed a Pentagon investigation of Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly. Watch the media briefing by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt in the video player above. “I think what Sen. Mark Kelly was actually trying to do is intimidate the 1.3 million active duty members serving in our United States armed forces with that video that he and his Democrat colleagues put out,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters. READ MORE: Pentagon says it’s investigating Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly after video urging troops to defy ‘illegal orders’ She added, “You can’t have a functioning military if there is disorder and chaos within the ranks, and that’s what these Democrat members were encouraging.” The Pentagon announced earlier Monday it is investigating the Democratic senator from Arizona over possible breaches of military law after the former Navy pilot joined a handful of other lawmakers in a video that called for troops to defy “illegal orders.” A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now By — Associated Press Associated Press
The White House on Monday backed a Pentagon investigation of Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly. Watch the media briefing by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt in the video player above. “I think what Sen. Mark Kelly was actually trying to do is intimidate the 1.3 million active duty members serving in our United States armed forces with that video that he and his Democrat colleagues put out,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters. READ MORE: Pentagon says it’s investigating Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly after video urging troops to defy ‘illegal orders’ She added, “You can’t have a functioning military if there is disorder and chaos within the ranks, and that’s what these Democrat members were encouraging.” The Pentagon announced earlier Monday it is investigating the Democratic senator from Arizona over possible breaches of military law after the former Navy pilot joined a handful of other lawmakers in a video that called for troops to defy “illegal orders.” A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now