US Senator Mark Kelly tells BBC he will 'seriously consider' White House run

February 17, 2026

Arizona Senator Mark Kelly announced he is seriously considering a presidential run in 2028 amid an escalating conflict with the Trump administration over a video encouraging military personnel to disobey illegal orders. Kelly and five other lawmakers with military or intelligence backgrounds have faced government retaliation, including attempted military demotion and legal threats, after releasing the clip questioning the legality of American strikes on alleged drug-trafficking vessels. The senator and his wife, former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, now require round-the-clock security due to weekly death threats following Trump's accusations of seditious behavior against Kelly.

Who is affected

Senator Mark Kelly and his wife Gabrielle Giffords (receiving death threats and requiring 24-hour security)
Five other lawmakers who served in the military or intelligence roles alongside Kelly
Military personnel who were the intended audience of the video
Critics of the Trump administration who view this as an attack on free speech
Other potential 2028 Democratic presidential candidates including Kamala Harris and Gavin Newsom

What action is being taken

Kelly and his wife are receiving 24-hour security protection
Kelly is continuing to fight the legal action against him
The Trump administration is pursuing legal action against Kelly
Kelly is seriously considering a presidential run in 2028

Why it matters

This situation represents a significant constitutional conflict involving free speech rights, civilian oversight of the military, and the limits of presidential power to punish perceived political enemies. The government's crackdown on lawmakers who questioned military orders raises fundamental questions about whether elected officials can lawfully express dissent regarding potentially illegal military actions. Additionally, the incident highlights ongoing concerns about politically motivated retaliation and threats against public officials, particularly given Giffords' history as a near-assassination survivor, while also shaping the early landscape of the 2028 presidential race.

What's next

Kelly expects Trump to continue legal action against him
Kelly indicated he would continue fighting "even if it goes all the way to the Supreme Court"
Kelly will make a decision about running for president in 2028

Read full article from source: BBC