When Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the Navy to open a formal review of retired Navy captain-turned-Senator Mark Kelly over his role in that withering Democrats’ video, Washington was reminded that the chain of command must be defended — not undermined for political points. The Pentagon’s move is an unusual but necessary step after a video explicitly urged service members to treat orders as unlawful unless vetted by civilian critics, a message that sows confusion at a time our troops need clarity and resolve.
The video featured six Democrats — including Kelly and former intelligence and military officials turned politicos — telling service members to refuse so-called “illegal orders,” a stunt framed as protecting troops but which, in practice, puts politics ahead of duty. Conservatives rightly see this as reckless grandstanding that undercuts unit cohesion and hands adversaries propaganda victories while America is trying to secure its interests abroad.
Across conservative media, former intelligence and military professionals blasted the video as calculated political theater designed to stoke fear rather than offer constructive solutions, and that criticism is warranted. These Democrats wield their service résumés like props and then lecture active-duty Americans on obedience, a tone-deaf and dangerous posture that any serious commander would condemn.
White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller told Jesse Watters that the so-called “seditious six” should be held accountable, echoing the demand from millions of voters who expect the rule of law and order to be respected by everyone, especially those who once wore a uniform. Secretary Hegseth’s labeling of the group as the “Seditious Six” reflects a broader impatience with political elites who weaponize patriotism for partisan ends and then act surprised when the public demands consequences.
The FBI has reportedly sought interviews with the lawmakers involved, and the Justice Department’s involvement underscores the seriousness of encouraging insubordination within the armed forces, no matter how the left tries to dress it up as conscience. If public servants are going to politicize the military, they must be prepared to answer for stirring unrest inside our ranks and for the potential legal ramifications of their rhetoric.
Patriots don’t cheer when elected officials use the flag and a uniform for virtue-signaling; they demand accountability and they demand leaders who put service above selfies. Hegseth’s action should be a wake-up call to every Republican lawmaker and voter: defend the men and women who defend this country, reject theatrical assaults on discipline, and hold those who erode our institutions to account.
