I stand with Sen. Mark Kelly against President Trump and his War Minister, Pete Hegseth. No one is buying Pete Hegseth and Trump's lies about Sen. Mark Kelly (D - AZ). We know what Sen. Kelly said. He reminded service members they are obligated to not to follow "illegal orders."

First of all, Kelly didn't tell anybody to violate lawful orders. He was educating many, especially those in the military. Evidently, Trump and the Pentagon need to be educated that Article 92 of the UCMJ informs military personnel only about the "failure to obey lawful orders or regulations."

It all started last October when Admiral Alvin Holsey a four-star U.S. Navy officer retired from his role as head of the U.S. Southern Command, which oversees operations in the Caribbean. His retirement was announced in after he reportedly expressed concerns about the U.S. military's attacks on suspected "drug boats" in the region. Admiral Holsey is the Head of the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), which includes the Caribbean. Sources say he retired in a protest after raising concerns about the mission and strikes on suspected "drug boats," rather than following orders he believed were unjust. His retirement will take effect at the end of 2025 after less than a year in command.

Al Jazeera reported that, "The US has so far carried out at least 6 strikes on boats in Venezuelan waters since the start of September 2025, killing some 27 people after allegations they were carrying narcotics." However, the Trump administration has failed to provide any evidence that the targeted boats were carrying narcotics bound for the US.

The problem here is...neither the secretary of war nor the president probably knows the military's oath of office. It's that simple. Don't give illegal orders and there will be no problem. Trump and Hegseth also swore an oath to defend and protect the Constitution. Labelling anyone a terrorist does not make them a lawful target and enables the US to sidestep international law. It does appear that President Trump or his Sec. of War Hegseth maintain a Rambo-style mentality.

Let's suppose a military officer commanded a soldier to assassinate the POTUS for frivolous or illegal reasons. Should the soldier follow the illegal command or refuse? Since this would be a command to commit an illegal act, the soldier has the right to refuse, it's basic common sense. The same logic should have been applied to Venezuela as well as to the current Israeli genocide, the genocide in Gaza. This is as easy as ABC.

I wish a dignified, smart, and brave guy like Mark Kelly would be POTUS to restore honor, respect, and trust to the office.

Mahmoud El-Youseph is a Palestinian freelance writer and retired U.S. Air Force veteran. He writes on U.S. foreign policy, Middle East affairs, and justice. Email: elyousseph6@yahoo.com