Trump Threatens Death Penalty for 'Seditious Six' Democrats Amid Pentagon Investigation
Senator Mark Kelly and Democratic lawmakers face Pentagon investigation for a video urging military disobedience. President Trump threatened death penalty for their alleged sedition.
Overview
- Senator Mark Kelly and other Democratic lawmakers, dubbed the 'Seditious Six' by War Secretary Pete Hegseth, are under investigation by the Department of War and the Pentagon.
- The investigation stems from a video where these lawmakers encouraged U.S. servicemembers to disobey unlawful orders and stand up for the Constitution.
- War Secretary Pete Hegseth criticized the video as "despicable, reckless, and false," stating it brings discredit upon the armed forces and prompted the Department of War's investigation.
- The Trump administration has threatened court-martial for Senator Kelly, with the Pentagon reviewing allegations of U.S. code violations and interference with military loyalty and discipline.
- President Donald Trump escalated the situation, threatening the death penalty and suggesting hanging for the elected national Democrats, including Kelly, for what he claimed was sedition.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover this story neutrally by presenting a balanced account of the Pentagon's investigation into Sen. Mark Kelly. They attribute all strong, evaluative language to the involved parties, such as Defense Secretary Hegseth or Sen. Kelly, rather than adopting it themselves. The reporting focuses on detailing the allegations, the legal framework, and the responses from all sides without editorializing or emphasizing one perspective over another.
"Kelly's response to the Pentagon suggests a defiance against intimidation tactics aimed at silencing accountability in government."
Associated Press"The Pentagon on Monday said it is reviewing "serious allegations of misconduct" against US Democratic Senator Mark Kelly."
BBC News"The Pentagon indicated that it's investigating Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, a former U.S. Navy Captain, after he was among a group of lawmakers who released a video calling on service members and members of the intelligence community to "refuse illegal orders.""
CBS News"The Pentagon says it's opening an investigation into Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly in the wake of a video of Democratic lawmakers urging servicemembers not to comply with 'illegal orders.'"
NPR"The Pentagon announced it was investigating Sen. Mark Kelly for serious allegations of misconduct after he called for U.S. troops to refuse unlawful orders."
USA TODAY"The Department of Defense said Monday that it is opening an investigation into Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, a retired Navy captain, in connection with a video he and other Democrats recorded urging members of the military and the intelligence community not to comply with illegal orders from President Donald Trump’s administration."
NBC News"It is extraordinary for the Pentagon, which until the second Trump term has usually gone out of its way to act and appear apolitical, to directly threaten a sitting member of Congress with investigation."
Military Times"It is extraordinary for the Pentagon, which until President Donald Trump’s second term had usually gone out of its way to act and appear apolitical, to directly threaten a sitting member of Congress with investigation."
Associated PressArticles (23)
Center (8)
FAQ
The 'Seditious Six' refers to Senator Mark Kelly and five other Democratic lawmakers who appeared in a video urging U.S. military members to disobey unlawful orders and defend the Constitution.
They are accused of encouraging military personnel to disobey unlawful orders, which Pentagon officials consider interference with military discipline and loyalty, prompting an investigation for alleged violations of U.S. military code.
President Trump has threatened the death penalty and suggested hanging for the Democrats, labeling their actions as sedition and warning of court-martial proceedings against Senator Mark Kelly.
War Secretary Pete Hegseth described the video as 'despicable, reckless, and false,' stating it discredits the armed forces and justifies the Department of War's decision to investigate the lawmakers.
The Pentagon is reviewing allegations of violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) related to sedition, interference with military loyalty, and undermining discipline.
History
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