Commentator Stephen A. Smith sharply criticized Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona this week after the Democratic lawmaker appeared in a video urging service members to refuse illegal orders from the Trump administration. Smith, who is often outspoken but not typically aligned with conservative criticism of Democratic officials, made clear that Kelly’s message crossed a line that someone with his military background should have known to avoid.
Smith addressed the issue on his SiriusXM radio program, where he also pushed back on President Trump’s own fiery rhetoric toward the group of six Democratic lawmakers who appeared in the video. But despite that caveat, Smith said Kelly deserved scrutiny for encouraging troops to disregard commands from the commander in chief.
“Respectfully, senator, what the hell are you doing?” Smith said. “Looking into the camera and telling military men and women to ignore the commander in chief? How dare you? How dare you do that?” Smith emphasized that he has family members who served in the military and said “not one of them” supported the lawmakers’ message.
He was clear that he did not consider Kelly’s actions treason and did not believe it should be punishable by death, but maintained the senator should be held accountable for the seriousness of what he said. “You know better, Sen. Kelly,” Smith added.
The video in question featured Kelly alongside Democratic Sen. Elissa Slotkin and Democratic Reps. Chris Deluzio, Maggie Goodlander, Chrissy Houlahan, and Jason Crow. Speaking directly to active-duty military and intelligence personnel, the group stated: “Our laws are clear. You can refuse illegal orders.”
Their message quickly ignited criticism from the administration. Days later, Trump labeled the lawmakers “traitors” before escalating the rhetoric further by declaring their actions “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified that the president did want the lawmakers to face consequences but did not want them executed.
The situation intensified again on Monday when the Pentagon opened an inquiry into what it described as “serious allegations of misconduct” against Kelly. A statement from the Department of Defense said the matter would be handled “in compliance with military law, ensuring due process and impartiality,” and noted that the review “may include recall to active duty for court-martial proceedings or administrative measures.”
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth directed Navy Secretary John Phelan to complete the review by December 10, giving the department a tight timeline to evaluate the accusations and determine next steps.
Kelly responded defiantly, saying in a statement that he has “given too much to this country to be silenced by bullies who care more about their own power than protecting the Constitution.” His pushback suggests he intends to frame the inquiry not as a neutral military process, but as retaliation driven by political motivations.
Smith’s condemnation underscores how far the fallout has spread, reaching even commentators who often avoid taking hard partisan stances. For Smith, Kelly’s decision to tell service members to disregard orders from a president—regardless of political disagreements—crossed a fundamental line about military discipline and the chain of command.
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