‘I’m doing all right’: Mark Kelly defends Constitution, cites Giffords’ strength after Trump attack

WASHINGTON, DC: Senator Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., took to X on Sunday, December 28, to reassure the public that both he and his wife, former Representative Gabby Giffords, remained undeterred by recent rhetoric from President Donald Trump. 

Kelly's remarks came after a wave of criticism and threats following his appearance in a viral video urging US service members to refuse unlawful orders, a message that sparked intense backlash from Trump and his supporters.

Kelly reflects on legacy of political violence and Giffords’ bravery

In the video, Kelly addressed concerns about his safety and well-being following Trump’s comments.

“Over the last, I don’t know, over the last six weeks since Donald Trump said I should be killed, hanged, executed, prosecuted, I’ve had a lot of people reach out to me to see if I’m doing all right, and I’m fine,” Kelly said.

He emphasized that defending constitutional principles mattered more than personal fear. “I’m completely 100 percent fine with this because this is more important than me,” he added.

Kelly also spoke directly about his wife, Gabby Giffords, who survived a near-fatal assassination attempt in 2011 during a constituent event in Arizona.

“People also ask me if Gabby’s OK. You know, she went through a horrific experience 14 years ago when she was shot in the head, and it was political violence,” Kelly said.

He added that the current climate has once again raised serious concerns. “And the president has put me in a situation where I could suffer some political violence too.”

Despite that, Kelly made it clear that Giffords remains unwavering. “I just want to reassure people she’s fine too. She is one of the toughest people I know. She is in this fight with me 100 percent. Gabby Giffords does not back down.”

Kelly faces sedition allegations after urging troops to refuse illegal orders

The controversy traces back to a mid-November video in which Kelly and five other Democratic lawmakers encouraged service members to refuse unlawful orders issued by the Trump administration.

In response, Trump accused the group of engaging in “seditious behavior” and publicly called for their execution, sparking condemnation from critics who viewed the remarks as dangerous escalation.

Kelly earlier rejected court-martial prospect as ‘ridiculous proposition’

Earlier this month, Kelly addressed the controversy during an appearance on MS Now’s The Weekend, telling co-host Jacqueline Alemany that the administration was “clearly in violation of my First Amendment rights.”

He dismissed the idea of being prosecuted under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, calling it a “ridiculous proposition,” and said his legal team was prepared to act if necessary.

“I’ve got a legal team that will respond, whether it’s DOD or DOJ, forcefully, because they’re in the wrong here, and I think people know it,” Kelly said.

While he noted that litigation is not typically his approach, he made clear that he would not hesitate to defend his rights if pushed further.