Veterans Unite in Support of Senator Mark Kelly Against Authoritarian Tactics

In a striking demonstration of solidarity, the Save America Movement (SAM), alongside its partners including Valor Media and Veterans for Responsible Leadership, has unveiled a powerful video featuring veterans from across the nation supporting Senator Mark Kelly. This initiative comes in response to recent authoritarian tactics from the Trump Administration, which threatened Kelly with court martial for reminding military personnel of their obligation to refuse unlawful orders.

Steve Schmidt, co-founder of SAM, remarked, "This is authoritarian retaliation, plain and simple. The Secretary of Defense must not threaten a member of the Senate with imprisonment, as this constitutes a gross violation of duty." He elaborated on the gravity of such actions, labeling them as a betrayal of democratic principles that warrant removal from office.

The video showcases veterans from various military branches, each underscoring an unwavering commitment to a core military tenet: upholding the Constitution and rejecting illegal directives. Senator Kelly, a retired naval aviator with a decorated military career, emphasized that his duty to challenge wrongful orders is rooted in both legal obligation and patriotic sentiment. He has never faced official reprimand throughout his extensive tenure in the military, which adds credibility to his stance.

Last week, amid rising tensions, Senator Kelly and five additional veterans publicly affirmed their commitment to these responsibilities. Their declaration triggered a heated response from President Trump, who has since branded them as "traitors" and called for severe legal repercussions. Trump's administration responded by instigating a politically charged investigation targeting Kelly, which has raised eyebrows among military legal experts for its unprecedented nature and apparent dishonesty.

"When I reached out to fellow veterans about this situation, everyone agreed this was worth speaking out against, even knowing the potential risks involved," shared Kenneth Harbaugh, founder of Valor Media. His profound statement captures the sentiment of many who view this intimidation as a direct threat to democratic dialogue. He asserted, “Don’t give up the ship. In America, we don't serve kings.” This reflects a deep-seated belief that military personnel have not only the right but a duty to reject illegal orders and uphold democratic values.

Bobby Jones, President of Veterans for Responsible Leadership, expressed similar sentiments. He stated, "Senator Kelly has always prioritized the greater good over personal safety, and this politically driven stunt embodies a fear-mongering strategy tied to Secretary Hegseth's flawed record." He called for a reminder that the legality of military orders is a fundamental component of ethical military leadership.

The collective voice of SAM and its coalition urges all elected representatives, regardless of party affiliation, to denounce what they perceive as an alarming misuse of governmental power. Jacob Thomas, Communications Director for Common Defense, highlighted that this investigation represents an attempt to silence dissent, asserting that, "Senator Kelly’s commitment to constitutional duty is not misconduct. It’s patriotism."

Echoing these sentiments, Chris Purdy, CEO of The Chamberlain Network, stressed that veterans entering public service should not have to live in fear of military repercussions for speaking out politically. He warns that weaponizing the military's legal framework against critics poses a significant risk to the integrity of civilian oversight.

In summary, the Save America Movement stands at the forefront of a crucial fight against the encroachment of authoritarianism in America. Through unity among veterans and staunch advocacy for democratic principles, this movement seeks to restore public trust in political processes and protect the values that define American service. The courage to stand against unlawful orders is not just a military responsibility; it's a necessary step in safeguarding democracy itself.