Sen. Mark Kelly: Presidential Rhetoric Raises Security Threats; Calls for Clarity on Controversial Ukraine Proposal

Sen. Mark Kelly (D‑Ariz.) told Margaret Brennan on Nov. 23, 2025, that recent presidential remarks have escalated threats against members of Congress and warranted greater caution and clarity from the administration. Speaking from Tucson, Kelly described the president's language as dangerous and said it has increased concerns about political violence directed at public officials.

Threats and rhetoric

Kelly emphasized the weight of presidential words and declined to discuss details of his personal security arrangements. He noted his family’s direct experience with political violence — as the husband of former Rep. Gabby Giffords — and said that history makes him particularly sensitive to incendiary public statements. Kelly said the president’s recent comments, which he characterized as equating loyalty to the Constitution with being "punishable by death," have increased threats and intimidation aimed at lawmakers.

"His words carry tremendous weight... the message he sent a couple days ago was, he declared that loyalty to the Constitution is now punishable by death." — Sen. Mark Kelly

Kelly also criticized the muted response from many congressional Republicans, asking why they have not publicly condemned the president’s rhetoric in the same way they urged calmer language after other recent shootings.

Legality of maritime strikes

Brennan pressed Kelly about recent U.S. strikes on vessels accused of trafficking drugs. Kelly said senators have been limited to public information because the administration has not provided comprehensive briefings. He described the administration’s legal justifications as "strained" and cited reports that the United Kingdom paused intelligence sharing in the Caribbean over legal concerns. He also noted that France has publicly questioned whether the strikes violate international law and the law of the sea.

Kelly said congressional offices have requested briefings from appropriate officials but have not received substantive answers, and he criticized the administration’s selective approach to sharing sensitive information.

Ukraine proposal and congressional role

On foreign policy, Kelly urged the administration to clear up conflicting statements about a leaked proposal related to Ukraine. He said inconsistent public accounts from the State Department, the White House and other officials have created confusion. Kelly called the leaked plan "very good for Russia" and dangerous for Ukraine and U.S. interests, warning that a deal that allows Russia to rearm or consolidate gains would threaten NATO allies and regional stability.

Kelly argued that Congress should be involved if any binding security guarantee or treaty for Ukraine is contemplated. He said elected lawmakers deserve timely briefings and a role in reviewing significant international commitments.

Bottom line

Kelly framed his remarks as a call for clearer, more responsible leadership: stronger condemnation of violent rhetoric from the top, full legal and intelligence briefings to Congress on contested military actions, and transparent diplomacy with lawmakers included in deliberations over any Ukraine security arrangements.