Verdict with Ted Cruz

Episode: BONUS POD – Trump Slams the ‘Seditious Six’ After Military Defiance plus Clinton-Appointed Judge Blocks Comey Prosecution
Date: November 25, 2025
Hosts: Ben Ferguson (filling in)—with statements from Donald Trump, military officials, Senator Mark Kelly, and others

Overview

This bonus episode of Verdict with Ted Cruz (hosted by Ben Ferguson) delves into two major political stories:

1. The investigation of Senator Mark Kelly and other Democratic lawmakers for allegedly seditious statements urging the military to refuse "illegal orders" from President Trump.
2. The dismissal of the indictment against former FBI Director James Comey by a Clinton-appointed judge, and the implications for ongoing legal and political battles.

The episode aims to break down the facts, reactions, and possible consequences of these unprecedented events, highlighting sharp partisan divides and raising questions about the boundaries of lawful dissent and political accountability in contemporary America.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Department of War Investigation: "Seditious Video" and Military Defiance

[03:10 – 12:41]

• Allegations Against Sen. Mark Kelly:
  The Department of War launches an investigation into Senator Mark Kelly (retired Navy captain) for his involvement in a video where multiple Democratic lawmakers urge military personnel and intelligence officials to disobey unlawful orders, specifically under the Trump administration.

• Details of the Video:
  The video includes the so-called “Seditious Six”:

  • Sen. Alyssa Slotkin (MI)
  • Sen. Mark Kelly (AZ)
  • Rep. Chris Deluzio (PA)
  • Rep. Chrissy Houlihan (PA)
  • Rep. Maggie Goodlander (NH)
  • Rep. Jason Crow (CO)

  The lawmakers, all with military or intelligence backgrounds, stress the importance of refusing unlawful orders, though no specific examples are provided. The full statement urges vigilance and upholding the Constitution.

• Department of War Response:
  The Department confirms an investigation, with possible outcomes including a recall to active duty for potential court martial for Kelly, the only retiree among the group subject to the UCMJ. The other members are not under military law as retirees.

  "The Department of War also added a reminder to all military retirees that they remain subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice, known as the UCMJ, for applicable offenses..." (News Anchor, 05:48)

• Presidential & Secretary Responses:

  • Trump's Reaction:

    "The traitors that told the military to disobey my orders should be in jail right now, not roaming the fake news networks trying to explain that what they said was okay. It wasn't and never will be. It was sedition at the highest level and sedition is a major crime."
    (Donald Trump, True Social post, quoted at 09:38)

  • Secretary of War (Pete Headset):

    "Encouraging our warriors to ignore the orders of their commanders undermines every aspect of good order and discipline. Their foolish screed sows doubt and confusion, which only puts our warriors in danger..."
    (Headset statement, 10:14)

• Kelly's Defense:
  Sen. Kelly responds with a detailed defense of his service and patriotism, rejecting attempts at intimidation:

  "I've given too much to this country to be silenced by bullies who care more about their own power than protecting the Constitution."
  (Sen. Mark Kelly, 11:31)

• Democratic Support:
  Fellow Democrats, notably Sen. Ruben Gallego (AZ), issue strong statements of solidarity:

  "F*** you and your investigation."
  (Sen. Gallego, 12:18; explicit language noted and directly quoted on-air)

Timestamp Highlights:

• [07:23-08:44] Direct audio excerpt from the “Seditious Six” video, calling on military/intelligence members to refuse unlawful orders.
• [09:38] Trump’s explosive response on True Social.
• [10:14] Secretary Headset’s official condemnation.
• [11:31] Mark Kelly’s personal, biographical rebuttal.
• [12:18] Ruben Gallego’s explicit defense of Kelly.

2. Clinton-Appointed Judge Blocks Comey Prosecution

[12:41 – 15:38]

• Case Background:
  Former FBI Director James Comey faced indictment for making false statements and obstructing Congress. On Monday, a judge dismissed the indictment on procedural grounds, citing improper DOJ appointment procedures for the lead prosecutor.

• Legal Reasoning:

  • Judge Cameron McGowan Curry ruled that the interim appointment of prosecutor Ms. Halligan violated both federal code and the Constitution’s appointments clause.
  • The prosecution was dismissed without prejudice, meaning charges could be refiled.

  "I agree with Mr. Comey that the Attorney General's attempt to install Ms. Halligan...was invalid. And because Ms. Halligan had no lawful authority to present the indictment, I will grant Mr. Comey's motion and dismiss the indictment without prejudice."
  (Judge Curry, 13:32, as quoted by Ben Ferguson)

• Reactions:

  • Former DOJ staffer Chad Mazzelli:

    "This may delay justice, but it won't stop it. An appeal is coming. Comey and James are not off the hook."
    (Ben Ferguson summarizing Mazzelli, 14:18)

  • Ben Ferguson:

    "So if you see the headlines that say that you should be celebrating or that the case is all over, just know that's the mainstream media lying to you yet again, not telling you all the facts that you just got right here today."
    (15:12)

• Analysis:
  Ferguson critiques the ruling as that of an “activist judge,” emphasizes the temporary nature of the victory for Comey, and insists that appeals will follow. He frames this as yet another example of partisan judicial interference but assures listeners that “justice” will continue to be sought.

Timestamp Highlights:

• [12:44-13:32] Ferguson summarizes the ruling and legal reasoning.
• [14:18] DOJ insider’s reaction and prediction of an appeal.
• [15:12] Ferguson critiques media coverage and stresses a likely appeal.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• From the “Seditious Six” Video:

  "You can refuse illegal orders. You must refuse illegal orders. No one has to carry out orders that violate the law or our Constitution... Don't give up the ship."
  (07:53–08:46; multiple Representatives/Senators)

• Donald Trump:

  "It was sedition at the highest level, and sedition is a major crime. There can be no other interpretation of what they said."
  (09:38)

• Secretary Pete Headset:

  "Kelly's conduct brings discredit upon the Armed Forces and will be addressed appropriately."
  (11:07)

• Sen. Mark Kelly:

  "If this is meant to intimidate me and other members of Congress from doing our jobs and holding the administration accountable, it won't work."
  (11:31)

• Sen. Ruben Gallego:

  "F*** you and your investigation."
  (12:18, explicit)

• Judge Curry Ruling:

  "Because Ms. Halligan had no lawful authority to present the indictment, I will grant Mr. Comey's motion and dismiss the indictment without prejudice."
  (13:32)

Structure & Flow

• Opening: Advertisements and sponsor messages (skipped in this summary)
• [03:10] Main content begins—Ben Ferguson leads with breaking down the Kelly/military-‘seditious video’ story
• [07:23–08:44] Airs and analyzes the controversial video
• [09:38–11:31] Reactions from Trump, Secretary Headset, and Mark Kelly
• [12:18] Raw Democratic responses
• [12:41] Pivot to Comey legal update, judge’s ruling, DOJ perspectives
• [15:38] Wrap-up with Ferguson’s take and encouragement to seek “justice,” cautioning listeners about mainstream media narratives

Takeaways

• The episode underscores the escalating tension between executive power, military discipline, dissent, and partisan interpretation of both law and norms.
• It highlights how political actors use legal and procedural mechanisms both to challenge and defend their actions and reputations.
• The tone is combative, highly partisan, and unapologetic in defense of conservative viewpoints, warning listeners to distrust “mainstream media” spins on these stories.

For listeners wanting a deep-dive, timestamped analysis, and the full, unfiltered language of the debate, this episode delivers a front-row seat to pivotal, controversial moments in American politics.