Stephen A. Smith Slams Sen. Mark Kelly Over Video Urging Troops to 'Refuse Illegal Orders'

Stephen A. Smith sharply criticized Sen. Mark Kelly after Kelly joined a video in which lawmakers urged service members to "refuse illegal orders," calling the message irresponsible even for a civilian. The clip, posted by Sen. Elissa Slotkin, featured several Democratic lawmakers with military or intelligence backgrounds repeating the line, “You can refuse illegal orders. You must refuse illegal orders.” Former President Trump condemned the video, and reports say the FBI is seeking interviews with participants; some commentators have suggested military discipline could follow.

12:00 AM, 11/28/2025Politics

Stephen A. Smith Slams Sen. Mark Kelly Over Video Urging Troops to 'Refuse Illegal Orders'

ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith delivered a blistering on-air rebuke of Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) after Kelly joined a group of lawmakers in a video advising service members they could and should "refuse illegal orders." Smith made the remarks during his Straight Shooter SiriusXM program, calling the message irresponsible and arguing elected officials should not encourage troops to question the commander-in-chief in that manner.

What Smith said

Smith prefaced his criticism by noting he never served in the military but that he has family and close friends who did. Still, he said he found the lawmakers' message shocking. “How dare you do that? I’m not a military person, and I know better than that,” Smith said during the segment, later adding, “I’m calling you out.”

“You can refuse illegal orders. You must refuse illegal orders.”

That line was the central refrain of the video, which warned that threats to the Constitution can come from within the United States as well as from abroad.

Who appeared in the video

Sen. Mark Kelly—retired Navy captain and former astronaut—appeared alongside several House Democrats. The clip, posted by Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) on X, featured lawmakers with military and intelligence backgrounds delivering the message. Participants included Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.), Rep. Maggie Goodlander (D-N.H.), Rep. Jason Crow (D-Colo.) and Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.).

Reactions and fallout

Former President Donald Trump reacted angrily on social media, calling the video “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR” and demanding severe punishment for participants. Smith explicitly rejected calls for the death penalty or treason charges, saying the rhetoric went too far even as he criticized the lawmakers' judgment.

Authorities and commentators have continued to debate the episode. Media reports say the FBI is seeking to interview the lawmakers who appeared in the clip. Meanwhile, some conservative commentators have suggested military discipline or court-martial discussions; one prominent commentator, Pete Hegseth, publicly urged severe consequences.

Why it matters

The exchange underscores an ongoing debate about civilian oversight, military obedience and how elected officials should address perceived threats to constitutional norms. Critics argue urging troops to "refuse illegal orders" risks undermining military discipline; supporters say the message clarifies service members' legal obligations if faced with unlawful commands.