Sen. Mark Kelly: Presidential Rhetoric Heightens Threats; Raises Legal and Strategic Questions on Drug-Boat Strikes and Ukraine Deal

Overview

Senator Mark Kelly (D-Arizona) discussed rising threats to lawmakers linked to the President's recent public remarks, expressed concerns about the legal basis for U.S. strikes on suspected drug-running vessels, and urged clarity and Congressional involvement on a leaked Ukraine proposal that he said appears to favor Russia.

On political violence and personal security

Margaret Brennan: You said the President described the video you participated in as 'sedition at the highest level' and called it 'a major crime.' Are you receiving credible threats? How concerned are you for your family's safety?

Sen. Kelly: The President's words are extremely serious and carry unique weight. I was surprised to hear language that could be interpreted as calling for violence against members of Congress. Because of that rhetoric, threats against my family and me have increased. I won't discuss security details, but as the husband of former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, I know the real dangers of political violence. Public statements from leaders can have dangerous consequences.

'The message he sent a couple days ago was that loyalty to the Constitution is now punishable by death,' Kelly said, adding that he and others will not be intimidated.

On calls for Republican responses and Capitol security

Kelly criticized the lack of robust public pushback from many Republican lawmakers and said he wasn't sure whether requests for enhanced Capitol security for himself had received broad bipartisan support. He and Rep. Jason Crow, a fellow veteran, have said they will continue oversight and will not be deterred by intimidation.

On the legality of strikes on suspected drug-running vessels

When asked about conflicting legal analyses — including reports that the senior judge advocate at SOUTHCOM questioned the legality of some strikes while executive-branch lawyers defended them — Kelly said Congressional oversight has been limited. He cited public reports and legal briefs that, in his view, leave unresolved questions. Kelly also noted allied concern: he said the United Kingdom paused some intelligence sharing in the Caribbean while legal issues were evaluated, and that France has raised international-law questions.

On Ukraine and the leaked proposal

Kelly urged the administration to reconcile inconsistent public accounts after reports that senators received different briefings about the origin and content of a proposed settlement document. He warned that the leaked plan reads like a favorable outcome for Russia and would be dangerous for Ukraine and European security if it allowed Russia to rearm and consolidate gains. Kelly said Congress should be consulted — and, where appropriate, vote — if the U.S. pursues binding security guarantees or a treaty.

Closing

Kelly called for clearer communication from the administration, fuller briefings for both parties in Congress, and careful scrutiny of legal and strategic decisions that affect U.S. credibility and allies' security.