Mark Kelly says he's 'not going to be silenced' by Trump after Pentagon launches investigation

WASHINGTON, DC: Sen Mark Kelly on Monday, December 1, doubled down on his attacks against President Donald Trump, saying he “won’t be silenced” even as the Pentagon launches what it called a “thorough review” into allegations of misconduct surrounding him. 

The remarks came amid rising scrutiny over US-authorized strikes in the Caribbean Sea in September.

Mark Kelly says he has given too much in service to the country to back down to Trump

At a news conference in the US Capitol, Kelly struck a defiant tone, telling reporters, “I will not be intimidated by this president. I am not going to be silenced by this president or the people around because I've given too much in service to this country to back down to this guy.”

His comments followed a video he and several Democrats posted last month saying service members could refuse "illegal orders," a message that drew immediate fury from Trump, who called them “traitors” and hinted that they deserved the death penalty.

But Kelly insisted the blowback wouldn’t stop him from demanding accountability within the Department of Defense, particularly from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, whom he branded “unqualified for this position.” The senator said Hegseth must testify publicly about the sequence of decisions that led to multiple strikes on a boat suspected of ferrying narcotics.

Mark Kelly demands investigation into second strike on boat in Caribbean Sea

The controversy deepened after the White House confirmed there was more than one strike on the vessel. Sources told ABC News that survivors from the initial strike were killed in the subsequent attack. Kelly called the claims “deeply alarming.”

“There needs to be an investigation,” Kelly said, noting that as a former Navy pilot, he has “sunk two ships” and understands the gravity of maritime operations. He warned that if survivors were “clinging to a damaged vessel,” the action could cross a legal and moral line.

The Democrat added that “if there is anyone who needs to answer questions in public and under oath, it is Pete Hegseth.”

The Washington Post previously reported that Hegseth issued a verbal order for a second strike, but the White House disputed that characterization. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Admiral Frank "Mitch" Bradley authorized the follow-up engagement, insisting he acted “well within his authority and the law.”

Mark Kelly says military members must understand the law, not just orders

Kelly rejected the idea that his earlier video was connected to the Caribbean incident, saying it was “not about this specific thing.” 

But he maintained that military personnel must know the “Law of the Sea, the Geneva Conventions, what the law says,” emphasizing that blind compliance with unlawful orders is not acceptable.

Mark Kelly warns Trump is sending a message meant to threaten and silence critics

Responding to Trump’s social-media tirades, Kelly said the president’s rhetoric is designed to “send a message” to anyone who might challenge him.

“This isn't about me and it's not about the others in that video,” he said. “They're trying to send a message to retired service members, to government employees, the members of the military, to elected officials, and to all Americans who are thinking about speaking up, ‘You better keep your mouth shut, or else.’”

When asked whether he would comply with FBI or Defense Department interviews, Kelly was unequivocal: “I will follow the law.”

He closed by pointing to a rise in political violence in America, referencing the shooting attack on his wife, former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords. He argued that Trump should be working to de-escalate tensions, not inflame them.

“The president's words carry tremendous weight. People listen to him, and he knows that, and that's exactly why he does what he does,” Kelly said.