Pentagon Probe and China Funding Concerns [WATCH]

Sen. Mark Kelly is facing scrutiny after the Pentagon opened a formal investigation into his appearance in a video urging military and intelligence personnel to refuse “illegal orders” from the Trump administration.

Kelly, a retired Navy captain and Arizona Democrat, is one of six lawmakers under review for participating in the November video, which was directed at active-duty service members.

The video tells troops to resist commands they believe violate the Constitution and includes the message, “Right now, the threats to our Constitution aren’t just coming from abroad, but from right here at home.”

We want to speak directly to members of the Military and the Intelligence Community.

The American people need you to stand up for our laws and our Constitution.

Don’t give up the ship. pic.twitter.com/N8lW0EpQ7r

— Sen. Elissa Slotkin (@SenatorSlotkin) November 18, 2025

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth criticized the video.

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“It brings discredit upon the armed forces and will be addressed appropriately,” Hegseth said.

The Pentagon is examining whether the lawmakers violated the Uniform Code of Military Justice, which applies to retired service members.

President Donald Trump responded on Truth Social, calling the group “TRAITORS” and sharing a post stating they were engaging in “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH.”

While media outlets characterized the comments as typical rhetoric, the situation prompted significant reaction within the military community because the suggestion of disregarding orders is treated as a serious matter.

As the investigation moves forward, Kelly is also facing renewed attention over his past involvement with World View Enterprises, a high-altitude balloon company he co-founded.

The company raised $8.1 million from Tencent, the Chinese technology firm that has drawn attention due to its ties to China’s government.

Kelly stepped away from the company years ago, but the investment has resurfaced alongside questions about foreign involvement in technology sectors.

A widely circulated post reignited criticism, stating, “Seditious Mark Kelly ‘started spy balloon company funded by China.’ He’s not for America or Americans.”

IMAGINE THAT: Seditious Mark Kelly “started spy balloon company funded by China”

He’s not for America or Americans. pic.twitter.com/QeIVS04wzY

— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) November 30, 2025

World View has said it did not export sensitive technology, though national security analysts have cautioned that foreign investment can create vulnerabilities.

Kelly has previously distanced himself from the company, but the subject has reappeared amid the current investigation.

🚨 Senator Kelly and His Chinese Spy Balloons Company

Kelly’s pre Senate business history has resurfaced amid heightened scrutiny of Chinese influence in U.S. technology. From 2013 to 2020, Kelly co-founded and served as a board member of World View Enterprises, a Tucson based… pic.twitter.com/96KJAT8Uuf

— INFOWARS FAN (@InfoWars_tv) December 1, 2025

Supporters of the lawmakers involved in the video said they were reminding service members of their constitutional responsibilities.

Sen. Ruben Gallego responded aggressively to critics, leading to further criticism from Republicans who said the remarks were inappropriate.

CNN’s Jeffrey Toobin commented that the lawmakers “erected a straw man,” noting that no illegal orders had been issued.

Kelly has also faced criticism for voting against paying U.S. troops during the October 2025 government shutdown.

Sen. John Fetterman voted in favor of troop pay, which left Kelly and others open to political criticism.

The combination of the Pentagon investigation and the renewed focus on the investment in World View has placed Kelly under heightened scrutiny.

Critics argue that participating in a video instructing troops on their response to potential orders while carrying past associations with foreign-funded projects raises questions about judgment and national security considerations.

Commentator Glenn Beck discussed the issue on his radio show, saying, “Once the military begins to decide on its own which orders are legitimate… you no longer have a republic.”

Beck said the video represented a shift that could have long-term effects.