Key Takeaways
- Sen. Mark Kelly discusses the recent increase in threats against him and other members of Congress due to the President’s rhetoric
- The President’s words have been deemed "sedition at the highest level and a major crime" by some, and Sen. Kelly believes they carry significant weight and could have serious consequences
- Sen. Kelly expresses concern about the President’s trend of making statements that cause concern, including his comments on killing the families of terrorists and shooting protesters in the legs
- The Senator also discusses the situation in Ukraine, including a proposed plan that he believes is a "horrible deal" for Ukraine and a "very good deal" for Russia
- Sen. Kelly emphasizes the need for congressional oversight and involvement in any security guarantees or treaties with Ukraine
Introduction to the Interview
The interview with Sen. Mark Kelly, Democrat of Arizona, aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on November 23, 2025. Sen. Kelly joined the show from Tucson, Arizona, and discussed various topics, including the recent increase in threats against him and other members of Congress due to the President’s rhetoric. The Senator’s family has suffered directly from political violence, and he understands the gravity of the situation.
The President’s Rhetoric and Its Consequences
Sen. Kelly believes that the President’s words are very serious and carry tremendous weight. The President’s statement calling for the execution of members of Congress has increased threats against them, and Sen. Kelly is concerned about his security. As the husband of Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, who was a victim of an assassination attempt, Sen. Kelly understands what political violence is and its consequences. He emphasizes that the President should be aware of the impact of his words and the potential harm they can cause.
Lack of Response from Republican Colleagues
Sen. Kelly expressed disappointment that his Republican colleagues have not spoken out against the President’s rhetoric. He believes that the President tries to intimidate Congress and views government accountability as a nuisance. The Senator emphasizes that the message the President sent was that loyalty to the Constitution is now punishable by death, which is a serious statement coming from the President of the United States. Sen. Kelly and other lawmakers, including Jason Crow, have reiterated the rule of law that members of the military should not follow illegal orders.
Unlawful Orders and the Situation in the Caribbean
The discussion also touched on the situation in the Caribbean, where the administration’s actions have raised questions about their legality. Sen. Kelly has read the legal analysis and believes that the administration’s explanation is questionable at best. The United Kingdom has stopped sharing intelligence with the US in the Caribbean due to concerns about the legality of the actions. Sen. Kelly emphasizes the need for more briefings and information from the administration to understand the situation better.
The Video and the President’s Trend of Concerning Statements
Sen. Kelly explained that the reason he made a video with other lawmakers was due to the President’s trend of making statements that cause concern. The President has previously talked about killing the families of terrorists and shooting protesters in the legs, which are illegal and unacceptable actions. Sen. Kelly believes that the President’s words have consequences, and his statements have caused great concern among lawmakers and the public.
The Situation in Ukraine
The interview also discussed the situation in Ukraine, including a proposed plan that Sen. Kelly believes is a "horrible deal" for Ukraine and a "very good deal" for Russia. The Senator emphasizes that Congress should be involved in any security guarantees or treaties with Ukraine and that the administration needs to be transparent about their actions. Sen. Kelly believes that the plan is a threat to Ukraine’s national security and the security of other countries in the region, including the Baltics, Poland, and Romania.
Conclusion and Next Steps
In conclusion, Sen. Kelly’s interview on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" highlighted the concerns about the President’s rhetoric and its consequences, the situation in the Caribbean, and the proposed plan in Ukraine. The Senator emphasized the need for congressional oversight, transparency, and involvement in any security guarantees or treaties with Ukraine. The administration needs to clear up the confusion surrounding the proposed plan and provide more information to Congress and the public.