The Department of War is gearing up to potentially drag Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., back into the military spotlight over a partisan video that’s got everyone talking.

The controversy centers on a video titled "Don't Give Up the Ship," featuring Kelly, a retired Navy combat pilot and former NASA astronaut, alongside five other Democrats with military or intelligence ties, urging service members to resist what they deem "illegal" orders from the Trump administration, prompting a serious review by the Department of War for possible legal action under military law, Newsmax reported. 

Last week, Sen. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., posted this eyebrow-raising video on social media, calling on military and intelligence personnel to stand firm against the current administration.

Video Sparks Immediate Political Firestorm

The video, showcasing six Democrats, including Kelly, didn’t just raise eyebrows—it lit a fuse, with President Donald Trump quickly firing back over the weekend, condemning the attempt to influence military loyalty.

While five of the video’s participants are outside the Department of War’s jurisdiction—either former military not classified as "retired" or tied to the CIA—Kelly, as a retired Navy Commander, remains subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).

On Monday, the Department of War stepped into the fray, announcing a formal review of allegations against Kelly, hinting at severe consequences like recall to active duty for court-martial or other administrative penalties.

Department of War Stands Firm on Law

“OFFICIAL STATEMENT: The Department of War has received serious allegations of misconduct against Captain Mark Kelly, USN (Ret.),” the department declared on X, signaling they’re not messing around.

War Secretary Pete Hegseth didn’t mince words either, posting, “Five of the six individuals in that video do not fall under @DeptofWar jurisdiction... However, Mark Kelly (retired Navy Commander) is still subject to UCMJ — and he knows that.”

Let’s unpack that—Hegseth, dubbing the group the "Seditious Six," is clearly drawing a line in the sand, reminding Kelly that retirement doesn’t mean a free pass from military accountability.

Legal Ramifications Loom for Kelly

The Department of War is diving deep into this under UCMJ guidelines and other regulations, with potential actions ranging from court-martial to less severe administrative measures.

They’ve made it crystal clear that this process will prioritize due process and impartiality, limiting further comments to protect the integrity of the proceedings—a rare nod to fairness in today’s polarized climate.

Still, the department issued a stern reminder to all retired military personnel that they’re not off the hook when it comes to UCMJ offenses or federal laws barring interference with military discipline and morale.

Military Duty Versus Political Statements

Adding fuel to the fire, the Department of War cautioned active-duty and retired service members alike that lawful orders must be followed, emphasizing that personal beliefs don’t excuse disobedience.

While the progressive push to challenge authority might sound noble to some, this situation begs the question: where’s the line between free speech and undermining the very structure that keeps our forces unified?

Ultimately, this clash over Kelly’s role in the "Don't Give Up the Ship" video isn’t just a political skirmish—it’s a test of how far military law stretches in an era where partisan battles spill into every corner of public life, and the Department of War seems poised to hold the line.