Gov.-elect Sherrill Slams Pentagon Investigation of Democratic Senator as a Dangerous ‘Abuse of Power’
New Jersey Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill called the Pentagon’s probe of Sen. Mark Kelly a disturbing misuse of authority during a political crisis.
Kelly featured in a video with five other Democratic senators telling military and intelligence professionals they are not compelled to execute unlawful instructions, prompting a Pentagon probe. Pentagon sources said Kelly’s military background gave his speech the impression of official guidance, raising worries.
Sherrill, a former Navy helicopter pilot and Congresswoman, replied strongly. She accused Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth of politicizing the department and targeted a distinguished senator.
Sherrill termed the probe “another abuse of power by the most incompetent and unfit Secretary of Defense in our nation’s history” on social media. She stressed that Kelly, a retired Navy captain from New Jersey, had served honorably in war and as a NASA astronaut. She said asking service personnel to follow the Constitution should never be disciplined.
Former President Donald Trump called the six Democratic lawmakers “traitors” and demanded their arrest after the video outraged him. He said their message threatened his authority, while Hegseth called the recording dangerous and false. The defense secretary said Kelly’s behavior reflected poorly on the service and would be punished under military procedures.
In an MS NOW interview, West Orange native Kelly resisted. He said his message was simple and guided by military tradition. Despite criticism and Pentagon actions, he refused to be intimidated. Kelly promised to keep defending the Constitution and holding the government accountable.
He also rejected the concept that political pressure would quiet him, saying he has faced larger hurdles throughout his career. Kelly said he thought the inquiry was politically motivated but would keep working in the Senate.
Before taking office on January 20, Sherrill has become a supporter of democratic values and independent oversight. After defeating Republican Jack Ciattarelli in New Jersey’s governor election, she resigned from Congress.
Democratic leaders say that the Pentagon’s actions risk setting a dangerous precedent as the Kelly probe continues. Sherrill wants to make sure military power is never used to punish elected authorities for upholding the law. Following a recording, the executive was accused of mocking Campbell’s products and making improper statements about coworkers.
Robert Garza, a Michigan cybersecurity specialist who worked remotely for the corporation until earlier this year, filed the claim. Garza recorded Campbell’s vice president and top security officer, Martin Bally, disparaging coworkers and making nasty comments about the soups, according to the complaint. Within a month of reporting the remarks to leadership, Garza was fired.
The lawsuit claims Bally vulgarly criticized the brand’s well-known items, asking who would buy its soups and saying he seldom eats them. Garza’s complaint also claims that Bally mocked specific products’ components, implying he didn’t trust the food’s quality despite being a top executive.
The lawsuit also claims that Bally insulted Indian coworkers and showed up to work high on marijuana treats. These allegations have raised major questions about leadership at one of America’s most prominent food firms.
Campbell’s replied strongly, saying the executive is in IT and not involved in food research or manufacturing. Bally is on leave during an internal inquiry, the company said. Campbell uses real chicken from reputable, licensed U.S. suppliers and follows strict quality requirements, according to a spokeswoman.
Garza’s lawyers claim he suffered emotional, reputational, and financial injury after losing his job. They want compensation for Garza’s claimed retribution, stating he should have been protected for reporting the incident.
It has also garnered political attention. Following the complaint, Florida’s attorney general said consumer protection officials will investigate Campbell’s product quality claims and sought clarity from the firm. The assertions made by Bally about Campbell’s food are false, according to Campbell’s.
Campbell’s faces rising pressure to be transparent in its probe and ensure consumers that its quality reputation remains intact. The lawsuit has raised questions about corporate culture, internal responsibility, and whistleblower treatment in large U.S. firms.
