Trump slams Mark Kelly, says ‘unpatriotic politicians’ tried to get Americans to ‘disobey president’

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump slammed Mark Kelly and intensified his demand that US troops follow his orders.

The move came after six Democratic lawmakers, all with military or national security experience, released a video urging service members to refuse illegal commands and uphold the Constitution.

The video sparked outrage among conservatives, who accused the lawmakers of encouraging troops to ignore the president’s orders altogether.

Trump doubles down on his warning to Democrats

On Monday night, December 1, Trump repeated his criticism of the lawmakers. He said, "Mark Kelly and the group of Unpatriotic Politicians were WRONG to do what they did, and they know it!"

He shared, "I hope the people looking at them are not duped into thinking that it’s OK to openly and freely get others to disobey the President of the United States."

Earlier, Trump had responded sharply to the video, calling the lawmakers “traitors” and labeling their message “seditious,” even suggesting their actions could be “punishable by death.”

Trump shared, "It's called seditious behavior at the highest level. Each one of these traitors to our country should be arrested and put on trial. Their words cannot be allowed to stand. We won't have a country anymore!!! An example must be set."

In a follow post he added, "This is really bad and dangerous to our country. Their words cannot be allowed to stand. Seditious behavior from traitors!!! Lock them up???" Also Trump added later that their actions were "punishable by death."

Later, the president told conservative radio host Brian Kilmeade that he did not mean to threaten the lawmakers with death.

Mark Kelly says Trump and Pete Hegseth are not 'serious people'

Senator Mark Kelly appeared on NBC’s 'Meet the Press' and criticized Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, calling them “not serious people” after their comments about a video Kelly and other Democrats released on refusing illegal orders.

Kelly said, “This president thinks he can bully and intimidate people, and he is not going to, he’s not going to stop me from speaking out and holding him accountable for the things that he does that are wrong and unlawful.”

The FBI has also asked to interview the six Democratic lawmakers featured in the video. The group includes Kelly, Senator Elissa Slotkin of Michigan, and Representatives Jason Crow of Colorado, Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire, and Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania.

In the video, the lawmakers did not mention any specific illegal orders. Kelly clarified on Sunday interview with NBC that the video was meant to “look forward” and was not referring to any illegal orders already issued during the administration.

He also cited a comment Trump made earlier this year suggesting the military should use “dangerous” US cities as “training grounds.” Kelly said, “We’re concerned because of this president, with this secretary of defense, we could have a significant problem. So this was a simple message, ‘Follow the law,’ and it was looking forward.”