Mark Kelly Condemns Alleged Criminal Charge Push Over 'Illegal Orders' Video

Senator Mark Kelly took to social media to denounce what he termed Donald Trump’s “outrageous abuse of power,” following reports that a grand jury in Washington opted not to indict him and several Democratic colleagues regarding a video urging military personnel to resist “illegal orders.”

“This is an outrageous abuse of power by Donald Trump and his lackeys,” Kelly, a former NASA astronaut and naval officer, stated on X Tuesday night, reacting to the closed-door proceedings.

“It wasn’t enough for Pete Hegseth to censure me and threaten to demote me; now it appears they tried to have me charged with a crime — all because of something I said that they didn’t like. That’s not how things work in America,” he continued, emphasizing the implications of political retaliation.

The Department of Justice, prompted by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, reportedly initiated an investigation into the video featuring Kelly, Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin, and four other Democratic lawmakers. They had called on service members to adhere to established military protocols and reject unlawful orders.

All involved lawmakers have military or intelligence backgrounds, including Representatives Jason Crow, Maggie Goodlander, Chrissy Houlahan, and Chris Deluzio.

“Donald Trump wants every American to be too scared to speak out against him. The most patriotic thing any of us can do is not back down,” Kelly asserted in his post, reinforcing his stance against intimidation.

Prosecutors aimed to convince the grand jury that the lawmakers breached a law prohibiting interference with “the loyalty, morale or discipline of the U.S. armed forces,” as reported by various sources.

Slotkin expressed her relief in a detailed post: “Today, it was a grand jury of anonymous American citizens who upheld the rule of law and determined this case should not proceed. Hopefully, this ends this politicized investigation for good.”

She further lamented, “But today wasn’t just an embarrassing day for the Administration. It was another sad day for our country,” highlighting the broader implications of such investigations.

Slotkin added, “Whether or not Pirro succeeded is not the point. It's that President Trump continues to weaponize our justice system against his perceived enemies. It’s the kind of thing you see in a foreign country, not in the United States we know and love.”

Former Army Ranger Crow remarked, “Donald Trump’s DOJ just tried—and failed—to indict me in front of a grand jury. We will continue to fight back against their rising tyranny. Don’t Give Up the Ship.”

California Senator Adam Schiff, although not implicated in the investigation, commented: “That the DOJ would even contemplate such an action demonstrates what a repressive regime is now running this country.”

Grand jurors in Washington ultimately declined to endorse charges, marking yet another instance of citizens pushing back against prosecutorial actions in the capital, according to sources.

The specifics regarding whether all six lawmakers faced potential indictments or the nature of any proposed charges remain unclear.