Sports commentator and media analyst Stephen A. Smith
launched a scathing attack on Senator Mark Kelly after the latter called on the
U.S. armed forces to disregard orders issued by President Donald Trump. During
an appearance on his program, Smith expressed his outrage and labeled the
senator's statements irresponsible.
Clearly annoyed, Smith questioned how it was possible for a
public official to urge members of the military to ignore a direct order from
the commander-in-chief. He emphasized that, even though he is not part of the
armed forces, he understands that the chain of command is a fundamental pillar
of military operations and that promoting its disruption jeopardizes
institutional stability.
Smith insisted that the president, as commander-in-chief,
must be respected by the military establishment without exception. He
criticized Kelly for using the media to suggest otherwise and warned that such
statements can sow confusion, create divisions, and compromise discipline
within the armed forces.
The commentator concluded that no political leader should
publicly encourage soldiers to disobey the president, as this represents a line
that must not be crossed in a democracy that depends on the subordination of
military power to civilian authority.