Senator Baffled by Speaker Johnson's 'Clueless' Remarks on Trump Indictment Case

Democratic Senator Mark Kelly criticizes Republican Speaker Mike Johnson's comments on the failed attempt to indict him and other Democrats over a social media video.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A Democratic Senator was baffled by comments made by Republican Speaker Mike Johnson about the failed attempt by the Trump administration to indict Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and five other Democrats over a social media video they made reminding service members that they do not have to obey illegal orders. Kelly joined CNN to discuss the case and criticized Johnson's remarks, saying he has no idea what he's talking about when he claimed the Democrats could be seen as obstructing law enforcement.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing political tensions and partisan divide in the country, with the Republican Speaker making comments that the Democratic Senator sees as 'clueless' regarding a failed attempt by the Trump administration to prosecute political opponents. It also raises questions about how elected officials should respond to and discuss ongoing legal cases.

The details

After the six Democratic lawmakers posted a video reminding service members they do not have to follow illegal orders, the Trump administration called their behavior seditious and sought to have them prosecuted. The administration also called for Kelly, a 25-year Navy veteran, to be court-martialed and demoted. Kelly revealed that other veterans he's spoken with have changed their tune after seeing how Trump has treated him.

  • On February 12, 2026, Sen. Mark Kelly appeared on CNN to discuss the case.

The players

Sen. Mark Kelly

A Democratic Senator from Arizona and a 25-year Navy veteran.

Speaker Mike Johnson

A Republican Congressman from Louisiana and the Speaker of the House.

President Donald Trump

The former President who called the Democratic lawmakers' behavior seditious and sought to have them prosecuted.

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What they’re saying

“What the hell is Mike Johnson talking about? Obstructing law enforcement. Does he have any idea what he is even talking about?”

— Sen. Mark Kelly (CNN)

The takeaway

This case highlights the deep partisan divisions in the country, with elected officials from opposing parties making starkly different assessments of the same legal case. It raises questions about how political leaders should respond to and discuss ongoing legal proceedings, especially when they involve their political opponents.