ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith delivered a blistering response to Democratic Senator Mark Kelly after the Arizona lawmaker appeared in a video urging U.S. service members to reject what he claimed could be “illegal” orders from President Donald Trump.
During Wednesday’s episode of his Straight Shooter podcast, Smith criticized Kelly and five other Democratic lawmakers who joined the message, calling their guidance irresponsible and dangerous—especially at a time of heightened national tension following the recent Washington, D.C., National Guard shooting.
Kelly Under Investigation
As previously reported, the Department of War confirmed that Sen. Kelly may face a recall to active duty to undergo potential court-martial proceedings. He is being investigated for possible violations of federal law, including 18 U.S.C. § 2387, which covers actions aimed at undermining the loyalty or discipline of the armed forces.
The lawmakers’ video urged military and intelligence personnel to disregard what they described as “unlawful” directives. Critics say the message used vague language that could mislead younger or less experienced service members into believing that lawful orders should be questioned or ignored.
Shooting in Washington, D.C. Intensifies Tensions
The political firestorm escalated only a day later when two National Guardsmen were shot in what authorities describe as a targeted attack in Washington, D.C. The suspect—29-year-old Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who entered the U.S. under the “Operation Allies Welcome” program—was taken into custody.
Some Democrats have attempted to connect the attack to Trump’s decision to deploy National Guard units to the capital, further dividing political discourse.
Stephen A. Smith’s Fiery Response
Smith opened his podcast by sharply condemning Kelly’s remarks, arguing that a sitting senator has no business instructing members of the military to ignore the Commander in Chief.
“Senator, what are you doing?” Smith said. “How dare you look into the camera and tell military men and women to ignore the Commander in Chief? You don’t give service members a directive like that—especially without providing a single example of an illegal order.”
Smith emphasized that even though he has never served in the military, he has close friends and family who have, and none of them would support such comments.
“If you think the President issued an illegal order,” he added, “there’s a process. Go to Congress. File paperwork. Start impeachment proceedings. You’ve done it before. Twice. But you don’t go on camera and tell service members to defy the President.”
“Where is the Evidence?”
Smith repeatedly questioned why Kelly has not provided any proof that Trump issued unlawful commands.
“What illegal orders?” Smith asked. “Where’s the evidence? You didn’t show any. And you know the seriousness of implying misconduct in the military.”
He also criticized Democrats for escalating political tensions rather than using established constitutional mechanisms.
Smith’s Message: Follow the Chain of Command
Smith concluded that while political disagreements are normal, giving public instructions that contradict military protocol risks confusion, instability, and potential danger.
“He’s the Commander in Chief,” Smith said. “You don’t tell military personnel to ignore lawful orders. That is not how our system works.”
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