Pete Hegseth drops hammer on Democrat senator in ‘sedition’ storm as court martial looms after Trump’s execution threat

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Monday launched an investigation into a Democratic senator who encouraged soldiers to disobey orders from Donald Trump.

Senator Mark Kelly is facing a Pentagon probe after appearing in a video last week alongside other Democratic lawmakers, urging troops and intel officers to disobey ‘illegal’ orders. 

‘The video made by the “Seditious Six” was despicable, reckless, and false. Encouraging our warriors to ignore the orders of their Commanders undermines every aspect of “good order and discipline.” Their foolish screed sows doubt and confusion — which only puts our warriors in danger,’ Hegseth wrote.

The video featured six Democratic lawmakers who have backgrounds in military or intelligence service. Kelly served in the Navy for over two decades. The lawmakers said, ‘Our laws are clear. You can refuse illegal orders.’

The president issued a statement on Truth Social calling their actions ‘seditious’ and ‘treason,’ while demanding they be executed via hanging. 

‘SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!’ before reposting another them that stated, ‘HANG THEM, GEORGE WASHINGTON WOULD!’

Even though Kelly is a retired military officer, he is still available for recall into service and therefore subject to military law. The others were discharged after their resignations, meaning they no longer fall under the military’s jurisdiction.

In a vague statement announcing the investigation, before Hegseth issued a follow-up post on X confirming the investigation is regarding Kelly’s ‘seditious’ video. 

The Daily Mail reached out to Kelly’s office for comment. 

Hegseth noted that the other five Democrats will not be investigated because they do not fall under the Pentagon’s jurisdiction.

‘However, Mark Kelly (retired Navy Commander) is still subject to UCMJ—and he knows that,’ Hegseth added. ‘The Department is reviewing his statements and actions, which were addressed directly to all troops while explicitly using his rank and service affiliation—lending the appearance of authority to his words.’

All except Kelly fall under the category of discharged veterans, not retired, thus are not subject to UCMJ jurisdiction.

‘Kelly’s conduct brings discredit upon the armed forces and will be addressed appropriately.’

The Arizona lawmaker did not specify what ‘illegal’ orders servicemembers should ignore from the president; however, Democrats recently have raised concerns about the legality of US military strikes against alleged drug boats in the Caribbean. 

Democratic critics of Trump have slammed the White House over the president’s deployment of National Guard troops to cities across the US without the approval of governors.

In response to Trump’s threat to execute Democratic lawmakers, the top Democratic in the House, Hakeem Jeffries, issued with a statement along with other party leaders condemning the president for ‘political violence’ adding that it ‘has no place in America.’

Kelly told his social media followers on Sunday that he would not be ‘intimated’ by Trump while also bashing Republican lawmakers for remaining silent over the president’s threats.

‘Two months ago Trump and Republicans were saying we need to dial back the rhetoric. Now the President himself suggests members of Congress should be hanged, and it’s crickets.’

In the wake of the Charlie Kirk assassination, Republican lawmakers and influencers blamed Democrats for fueling the rise of ‘toxic’ political rhetoric, arguing that the escalating hostility has helped create an environment ripe for violence against conservatives.