Senator Mark Kelly, a decorated Navy combat pilot and former NASA astronaut, is now facing a Pentagon investigation that could lead to a military court-martial—for doing his job as an elected official and upholding his oath to the Constitution.

His “offense”?

Appearing in a video with five other lawmakers who also served in the military or intelligence community, urging U.S. service members to refuse illegal orders—a message that is completely consistent with the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

This is not a criminal act. It’s a reminder of lawful duty.

And yet, under President Trump’s administration and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the Pentagon is now threatening to recall Kelly to active duty for punishment. Trump has gone so far as to accuse Kelly of sedition, punishable by death, and reposted calls to “HANG THEM.”

This isn’t discipline. It’s political retaliation.

We are calling on:

Congressional Armed Services Committees
Department of Defense Inspector General
Secretary Pete Hegseth and the Pentagon leadership
To:

• Immediately drop the investigation into Senator Mark Kelly.
• Affirm that reminding troops of their obligation to refuse unlawful orders is not misconduct—it’s duty.
• Condemn dangerous rhetoric that puts lawmakers’ lives at risk, especially when tied to legal, constitutional speech.

Mark Kelly’s record of service is beyond question. This investigation is not about justice—it’s about silencing dissent.

Sign this petition to demand the investigation be dropped and to defend the right of every American—civilian or veteran—to uphold the Constitution.

Photograph: Ben Curtis/AP