Summary: The View's co-hosts challenged Stephen A. Smith after he criticized Senator Mark Kelly for appearing in a video telling troops they can refuse unlawful orders. Sunny Hostin cited a 2016 comment about consequences for wartime crimes and asked Smith to reconsider; he declined, saying he consulted military contacts. The exchange focused on whether Kelly's remarks reflect established military law and whether such public statements could have implications for service members.
‘You Know Better’: The View Confronts Stephen A. Smith Over Criticism Of Sen. Mark Kelly
The View Hosts Clash With Stephen A. Smith Over Military Advice
The View co-hosts confronted sports and current-affairs commentator Stephen A. Smith on Thursday after he sharply criticized Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), a retired Navy captain and astronaut, for appearing in a video telling service members they can refuse unlawful orders.
Sunny Hostin introduced the segment by saying, "You recently accused Senator Mark Kelly — a veteran, astronaut — of crossing the line for participating in a video reminding troops they can refuse to follow illegal orders," then played a clip of Smith shouting:
"You know better, Senator Kelly! You know better! How dare you do that?"
Hostin also cited a 2016 remark from commentator Pete Hegseth about consequences for war crimes and asked Smith whether he would reconsider his comments in light of that context. Smith replied bluntly that he would not change his stance.
Smith said he had called family and friends with military experience to make his point, stressing that "we're not civilians" and that military personnel face different standards and potential consequences than civilians when discussing orders and conduct in uniform.
When Joy Behar interjected, "Ignore an illegal order," Smith confirmed he meant illegal orders. Hostin countered that Kelly's message — that service members do not have to follow unlawful orders — aligns with longstanding military law and the military code of conduct, suggesting Smith appeared unaware of that context.
The on-air exchange grew heated, with Hostin telling Smith, "You want to stay loud and wrong," and Smith responding that he had received messages both criticizing and supporting his view: "Two governors texted me to tell me I was wrong... and I had two senators that reached out and said you aren't wrong at all." The segment ended with both sides standing by their positions.
Context: The disagreement highlights tension over how public figures discuss military obligations and whether commenting on the legality of orders is appropriate for civilians and retired service members. The dispute centered on interpretation of military law and how such guidance might affect those currently serving.
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