Mark Kelly Stands Firm Against Trump’s Intimidation Tactics

Washington, D.C. — Senator Mark Kelly, a veteran and Democrat from Arizona, spoke out Sunday against threats made by former President Donald Trump, urging fellow Republicans to condemn the remarks aimed at him and five other lawmakers.

During an appearance on CBS‘s Face the Nation, Kelly criticized the lack of response from Republicans regarding Trump’s recent comments suggesting that lawmakers should face severe consequences for their statements about military orders. “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 said.

Earlier in the week, Kelly, along with five colleagues, released a video directed at military and intelligence personnel, emphasizing their right to refuse illegal orders. All six members have backgrounds in military or intelligence service, including Kelly, who served 25 years in the Navy.

Trump retaliated by accusing them of “seditious behavior,” threatening that such actions could lead to dire consequences. In a series of posts on his social media platform, he stated, “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!” He also echoed a call for their execution, stating “HANG THEM, GEORGE WASHINGTON WOULD!”

In response, House Democratic leaders issued a joint statement condemning Trump’s remarks, declaring that “political violence has no place in America.” Kelly reiterated on Sunday, “The president is trying to intimidate us. I’m not going to be intimidated.”

Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota also condemned Trump’s actions during her appearance on Meet the Press, describing them as “dangerous,” while stressing the inappropriate nature of the threats coming from the president.

Vice President Kamala Harris chimed in as well, pointing out that members of Congress advising the military to disobey unlawful orders would, by definition, be acting legally if the orders were indeed illegal.

As tensions rise, Kelly continues to call for a clear stance from the Republican Party against threats of violence in politics, reiterating that political discourse should remain respectful and lawful.