Kelly Criticizes 'Reckless' Trump, Weighs 2028 Presidential Bid

Arizona Democrat clashes with Trump administration over military orders video

Feb. 18, 2026 at 9:39pm

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Democratic Senator Mark Kelly is sounding increasingly like a presidential candidate, saying he will "seriously consider" a 2028 run amid his criticism of President Trump. Kelly, a former astronaut and Navy combat pilot, has clashed with the Trump administration over a video he and other lawmakers released urging US troops to refuse unlawful orders. Trump labeled Kelly's actions "seditious," though a grand jury declined to pursue charges. Kelly expects the legal fight to continue and vows to take it "all the way to the Supreme Court."

Why it matters

Kelly's potential 2028 presidential bid and his ongoing feud with the Trump administration highlight the deep partisan divisions in US politics. As a former military officer and astronaut, Kelly presents himself as a pragmatic, centrist alternative to the more ideological figures in both parties. His criticism of Trump's "reckless" leadership and the administration's attempts to punish him for his actions could resonate with voters seeking a return to more traditional, bipartisan governance.

The details

In a new interview, Kelly said his engineering background and military service set him apart in the Senate. He also continued his criticism of Trump, calling him "reckless" and saying Trump's words have led Kelly and his wife, former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, to receive weekly death threats. Kelly and five other lawmakers released a video urging US troops to refuse unlawful orders, which Trump labeled as "seditious." Though a grand jury declined to pursue sedition charges, a federal judge ruled that the Pentagon "trampled" on Kelly's First Amendment rights through attempts to punish him. Kelly's attorney has warned the Justice Department against pursuing a second indictment, calling it a "remarkable abuse of power."

  • On February 17, 2026, Kelly spoke with the BBC about seriously considering a 2028 presidential run.
  • In 2026, Kelly and five other lawmakers released a video urging US troops to refuse unlawful orders, leading to clashes with the Trump administration.

The players

Mark Kelly

A Democratic senator from Arizona and former astronaut and Navy combat pilot who is considering a 2028 presidential run.

Gabrielle Giffords

Kelly's wife, a former Congresswoman.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States, whose administration has clashed with Kelly over his actions.

Paul Fishman

Kelly's attorney, who has warned the Justice Department against pursuing a second indictment against Kelly.

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What they’re saying

“It's a serious decision. I just haven't made it yet.”

— Mark Kelly, Senator (BBC)

“Donald Trump only knows how to break things, not fix them.”

— Mark Kelly, Senator (X post)

What’s next

A federal judge will continue to oversee the legal battle between Kelly and the Trump administration over the video urging troops to refuse unlawful orders.

The takeaway

Kelly's potential 2028 presidential bid and his ongoing feud with the Trump administration highlight the deep partisan divisions in US politics, as well as the desire among some voters for a more pragmatic, centrist alternative to the ideological figures in both parties.