President Donald Trump has dubbed Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and other lawmakers "traitors," suggesting they deserve the death penalty for alleged "seditious behavior."
The dispute began Tuesday, November 18, when Kelly joined five other Democratic lawmakers, all military veterans or national security professionals, in posting a video about military protocol.
In the video, Kelly and his colleagues reminded U.S. military members that they can refuse illegal orders from their commanders.
Alongside him were Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) and Representatives Jason Crow (D-CO), Chris Deluzio (D-PA), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), and Maggie Goodlander (D-NH).
President Donald Trump responded to the video on Truth Social, writing, "this is really bad, and Dangerous to our Country. Their words cannot be allowed to stand. SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!! LOCK THEM UP???"
The post also called for severe consequences against the six sitting members of Congress.
"SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!" Trump continued.
Kelly's Reply
Kelly responded to the President's words on X, referencing his personal experience with political violence. His wife, former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, survived a 2011 assassination attempt.
"My wife [Gabby Giffords] nearly lost her life in an act of political violence," Kelly wrote. "Words have consequences, especially when they come from the President of the United States. What Trump said this morning—that my colleagues and I should be put to death—is dangerous."
The six lawmakers also issued a joint statement defending their video.
"What's most telling is that the President considers it punishable by death for us to restate the law," they wrote. "Our servicemembers should know that we have their backs as they fulfill their oath to the Constitution."
Under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, service members are instructed to disobey orders they believe to be illegal. The six lawmakers stated they were reminding military personnel of this rule.
The exchange has raised serious concerns about threats of violence against elected officials and the growing danger of extreme political rhetoric in America.
“We can disagree fiercely and say what we think without resorting to stoking violence,” Kelly emphasized.
