Experts Warn of Potential Military Misuse by Felon

Concerns raised over possible orders to turn on citizens during protests or elections

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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A letter to the editor expresses concern over the possibility of a felon in power ordering the U.S. military to turn against its own citizens, particularly during protests or upcoming elections. The letter references a video by U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly advising soldiers to refuse illegal orders, highlighting the risks of the military being misused for political purposes.

Why it matters

The misuse of the military against citizens would be a serious violation of democratic norms and the military's role in serving the people. There are concerns that a felon in power could attempt to leverage the military for their own political gain, which could lead to civil unrest and the undermining of free and fair elections.

The details

The letter writer, Martha Franklin, expresses confusion over why some in the military would support a felon "to the point of starting an unauthorized war." The letter raises the question of what would happen if the felon ordered the military to "turn on its own citizens when they protest, or as the midterm elections approach."

  • The letter was published on March 2, 2026.

The players

U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly

A U.S. Senator who has released a video advising soldiers to refuse illegal orders.

Martha Franklin

The letter writer, a resident of Kingsley, Michigan.

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What they’re saying

“What is going to happen if the felon orders the U.S. military to turn on its own citizens when they protest, or as the midterm elections approach?”

— Martha Franklin, Resident of Kingsley, Michigan (thetimes-tribune.com)

The takeaway

This letter highlights the serious risks of a felon in power misusing the military for political purposes, which could undermine democratic institutions and lead to civil unrest. It underscores the importance of the military remaining apolitical and refusing unlawful orders.