Ruben Gallego warns military of 'consequences' for targeting lawmakers after Trump leaves office

WASHINGTON, DC: Arizona Sen Ruben Gallego warned the military that “there will be consequences” if they take action against Sen Mark Kelly, particularly after President Donald Trump leaves the White House.

The controversy began after the Department of War posted on X announcing a formal review into allegations of misconduct against Navy veteran–turned–senator Kelly, following a video in which he and several Democrats urged service members to “refuse illegal orders” from Trump.

Speaking to CNN’s Kasie Hunt, Gallego said he still believes the military and the justice system will handle the matter “properly.” However, the Arizona Democrat expressed concern that some officers may try to “railroad” Kelly for political gain.

“Donald Trump is going to be gone in a couple of years,” he said. “And if you’re part of the military that is going after sitting senators, sitting members of Congress, and part of the weaponization of government, there will be consequences, without a doubt.” 

Ruben Gallego warns military against targeting Mark Kelly

Gallego said officers involved in this so-called review should tread carefully.

“I think there’s going to be a lot of officers that will be part of this potential tribunal, if they want to call it that, that will be looking over their shoulders,” he warned, because “they will not have that protection" once Trump is out. “They’re going to have to do the safest thing possible, which is follow the Constitution of the United States, and you’ll be fine.”

Gallego defended Kelly and the other Democrats in the video, saying he has heard from officers who are “concerned” about Trump’s behavior. “Also, you‘re just seeing things that aren‘t very normal," he said.

"You have the Marines who are walking around Los Angeles. You have National Guardsmen coming from different states into other states, even though those governors did not request that. You have a politicization of the military, that has never been seen before until this president has done it. And then, you also hear the president saying things that are, on its face, illegal."

Gallego cited Trump’s recent strikes against Venezuela, saying Congress had been kept out of the loop. While he didn’t label those orders “illegal,” he told the troops no one has to follow “illegal orders.”

Department of War launches formal misconduct review into Mark Kelly

When reporters requested comment, the Department of War pointed to its original statement.

"The Department of War has received serious allegations of misconduct against Captain Mark Kelly, USN (Ret). In accordance with the Uniform Code of Military Justice, 10 USC § 688, and other applicable regulations, a thorough review of these allegations has been initiated to determine further actions, which may include recall to active duty for court-martial proceedings or administrative measures," it read.

"This matter will be handled in compliance with military law, ensuring due process and impartiality. Further official comments will be limited, to preserve the integrity of the proceedings. The Department of War reminds all individuals that military retirees remain subject to the UCMJ for applicable offenses, and federal laws such as 18 USC § 2387 prohibit actions intended to interfere with the loyalty, morale, or good order and discipline of the armed forces. Any violations will be addressed through appropriate legal channels," it continued.

"All servicemembers are reminded that they have a legal obligation under the UCMJ to obey lawful orders and that orders are presumed to be lawful. A servicemember’s personal philosophy does not justify or excuse the disobedience of an otherwise lawful order," the statement concluded.