DOJO — Senator Mark Kelly is pushing back forcefully against comments made by President Donald Trump, saying he will not be intimidated or silenced after the president’s recent remarks sparked a Pentagon review into a video urging military members to refuse illegal orders.
During his latest interview, Kelly pointed to his decades of service and personal tragedy as reasons he refuses to back down.
“We know what political violence is”
Kelly, a retired Navy captain and former astronaut, reflected on the experiences that shaped his perspective. He said he’s faced near-death situations in the military and witnessed political violence up close.
“I’ve had a missile blow up next to my airplane. I’ve been shot down, nearly shot down multiple times. I’ve flown a rocket ship into space four times built by the lowest bidder,” Kelly said.
He also referenced the 2011 mass shooting that severely injured his wife, former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords.
“My wife Gabby Giffords, meeting with her constituents, shot in the head… six people killed around her. A horrific thing. She spent six months in the hospital. We know what political violence is and we know what causes it too.”
Kelly: Trump’s rhetoric is dangerous
Kelly accused President Trump of using inflammatory language that puts people at risk.
“The statements Donald Trump made are inciteful. It incites others. He’s got millions of supporters… People listen to what he says more so than anybody else in the country, and he should be careful with his words.”
Despite the pressure and the Pentagon’s review, Kelly says he won’t back down.
“I’ve been stressed by things more important than Donald Trump”
Kelly said he refuses to be intimidated and plans to continue doing his job in full.
“I’m not gonna be silenced here. Is it stressful? I’ve been stressed by things more important than Donald Trump trying to intimidate me into shutting my mouth and not doing my job.”
He added:
“He didn’t like what I said. I’m going to show up for work every day, support the Constitution, do my job, hold this administration accountable, hold this president accountable when he is out of line. That is the responsibility of every U.S. senator and every member of Congress… he’s not gonna silence us.”
