The Pentagon says it is investigating Arizona senator Mark Kelly for possible breaches of military law after the federal lawmaker joined a handful of other Democrats in a video calling for US troops to refuse unlawful orders. It is extraordinary for the Pentagon to directly threaten a sitting member of Congress with investigation. Until Donald Trump's second presidency, the institution in charge of the US military had usually strived to appear apolitical.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended former President Donald Trump's recent Truth Social post calling Democratic members of Congress seditious traitors and saying their conduct was punishable by death, while insisting Trump actually opposes dangerous rhetoric. During the press briefing, a reporter pressed Leavitt about Trump's comments regarding a video released by six Democratic senators and representatives all military veterans reminding service members that they are required to refuse unlawful orders under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.