Senator Mark Kelly appeared on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" on November 26, 2025, where he defended a viral video he recorded with five fellow senators urging military personnel to follow only lawful orders under President Donald Trump’s administration. Despite criticism and a pending inquiry, Kelly said he would not back down, while host Jimmy Kimmel expressed concern about the fallout for the Arizona Democrat.
Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ), a retired Navy captain and former astronaut, used a November 26, 2025, appearance on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" to respond to backlash over a video he produced with five Senate colleagues. In the video, which critics have labeled the work of the "Seditious Six," the lawmakers cautioned service members to obey only lawful directives from President Donald Trump’s administration, a message that critics say implies Trump is likely to issue unlawful orders.
According to the Daily Wire, Kelly doubled down on the video during his conversation with host Jimmy Kimmel, saying he stood firmly by its message. “I mean, you can’t keep track of this guy and what he says,” Kelly said, referring to Trump. “I’ll tell you this though: I’m not backing down.” The audience cheered as Kelly continued, “I mean, we said something very simple. Members of the military need to follow the law. We wanted to say that we have their backs.”
The Daily Wire reports that critics, including War Secretary Pete Hegseth, have described the video as “a politically-motivated influence operation” designed to sow doubt among troops and plant the seeds of insurrection. Hegseth and others have noted that Kelly is the only member of the group who is a retired military officer still subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice, and could theoretically be recalled to active duty to face potential repercussions.
White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller has also condemned the video, describing it as “insurrection,” according to the Daily Wire’s account of his comments.
During the segment, Kimmel voiced concern over the personal and professional costs Kelly might face as a result of the controversy. “[You have to] consult with lawyers, and have to deal with this when you’re first of all working for the people of Arizona, the people of the United States,” Kimmel said. “Now you actually have to spend your time — are you actually, like, worried about this?”
Kelly brushed aside the personal risk. “I’ve been through a lot more challenging things than this,” he said. “What I’m worried about is the reaction and what this transmits to the military and the public, which is basically, ‘Shut up, and listen to that guy.’”
The Daily Wire notes that Kelly went on to say that members of the armed forces swear an oath to the Constitution, and he suggested that they must remain mindful of that commitment even as they follow orders from the commander in chief, who also takes the same oath.
