Sen Gallego, a Marine vet, warns Pentagon of 'consequences' for 'going after sitting senators'

Arizona Democratic Sen. Ruben Gallego warned military members that "there will be consequences" for "going after sitting senators" when President Trump leaves office.

Gallego's statement followed the Pentagon's announcement that it was reviewing "allegations of misconduct against" Arizona Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly after he and other Democrats participated in a video urging troops to defy "illegal orders." Kelly was a U.S. Navy fighter pilot before becoming an astronaut and retired at the rank of captain.

Gallego, a Marine veteran who was deployed in Iraq, told CNN on Monday that he believes the U.S. military and the justice system will handle Kelly's case properly, and that officers know there would be fallout if they tried to "railroad" him, Fox News reported.

"Donald Trump is going to be gone in a couple of years," Gallego said. "And if you’re part of the military that is going after sitting senators, sitting members of Congress, and part of the weaponization of government, there will be consequences, without a doubt."

"I think there’s going to be a lot of officers that will be part of this potential tribunal, if they want to call it that, that will be looking over their shoulders. Because they know that Donald Trump will be gone and they will not have that protection. They’re going to have to do the safest thing possible, which is follow the Constitution of the United States, and you’ll be fine."

Gallego defended the Democratic lawmakers' video, adding that he has heard from military officers "concerned" about Trump's actions.

"Also, you‘re just seeing things that aren‘t very normal," Gallego said. "You have the Marines who are walking around Los Angeles. You have National Guardsmen coming from different states into other states, even though those governors did not request that. You have a politicization of the military, that has never been seen before until this president has done it. And then, you also hear the president saying things that are, on its face, illegal."

Gallego also mentioned Trump's recent strikes against Venezuela without offering Congress information, though he did not call them "illegal." He added that "illegal orders" do not have to be followed.

In response to Fox News' request for comment, the Defense Department referred to its statement posted on X regarding its review of the allegations against Kelly: "The Department of War has received serious allegations of misconduct against Captain Mark Kelly, USN (Ret.). In accordance with the Uniform Code of Military Justice, 10 U.S.C. § 688, and other applicable regulations, a thorough review of these allegations has been initiated to determine further actions, which may include recall to active duty for court-martial proceedings or administrative measures. This matter will be handled in compliance with military law, ensuring due process and impartiality. Further official comments will be limited, to preserve the integrity of the proceedings.

"The Department of War reminds all individuals that military retirees remain subject to the UCMJ for applicable offenses, and federal laws such as 18 U.S.C. § 2387 prohibit actions intended to interfere with the loyalty, morale, or good order and discipline of the armed forces. Any violations will be addressed through appropriate legal channels.

"All servicemembers are reminded that they have a legal obligation under the UCMJ to obey lawful orders and that orders are presumed to be lawful.  A servicemember’s personal philosophy does not justify or excuse the disobedience of an otherwise lawful order."