Bestselling author Elizabeth Graham contends that former President Donald Trump, who pardoned approximately 1,500 individuals convicted for their roles in the January 6 insurrection, is now falsely accusing Senator Mark Kelly of seditious behavior despite Kelly's decorated military service. In a recent Substack article, Graham highlights what she describes as Trump's hypocrisy and lack of understanding of service to the country.
Graham references the January 6 Report's introduction, written by Luke Broadwater, which details the violent attack on the Capitol by Trump supporters. Broadwater, an eyewitness, described rioters beating police officers, shattering windows, and chanting "Hang Mike Pence" near a constructed gallows. The U.S. Constitution defines treason narrowly in Article III, Section 3, and conviction requires testimony from two witnesses or a confession in open court. Approximately 1,600 individuals were convicted and sent to prison for their involvement, many charged with sedition.
Following his re-election, Trump pardoned 1,500 of these insurrectionists. Graham contrasts this with Trump's current accusations against Senator Mark Kelly, whose history includes service as a U.S. Navy pilot who flew combat missions in the Gulf War, a NASA astronaut who commanded Space Shuttle missions, and a Senator focused on issues like gun safety and veterans' affairs. Kelly co-founded the nonprofit Giffords after his wife, former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, survived a shooting.
Graham, who grew up in a military family with a father who served in WWII and later the CIA, asserts that Trump is a five-time draft dodger, as reported by Military Times on February 27, 2019. She cites reports that Trump has referred to those who died in service as "losers and suckers," according to Politico on June 28, 2024, and allegedly commented at Arlington National Cemetery that the land "could have made a wonderful golf course," as mentioned on Threads on August 29, 2024.
Graham argues that Trump has disgraced the presidency, shown no understanding of the U.S. system of government, and compromised the country for personal gain. She suggests his political survival is linked to Russian influence, specifically orchestrated by Vladimir Putin. The full text of her Substack piece is available at https://substack.com/@elizabethgraham.
Graham also announced an upcoming book, 'Survival: Democracy's Struggle To Survive,' set for release in 2026. The book will feature contributions from authors like Craig Unger and Charlie Sykes, examining the relationship between Trump and Putin and its impact on U.S. politics since 2015. Her current book, 'From Democracy To Democrazy: A Warning To All Americans,' is available at https://www.amazon.com/stores/Elizabeth-Graham/author/B0CMY189NT?, with more information at her website https://democrazy2020.org/.
This analysis matters because it raises critical questions about accountability, the rule of law, and the integrity of democratic institutions. When a former president who orchestrated an insurrection pardons participants and then accuses a military hero of sedition, it undermines public trust and the very foundations of constitutional governance. The implications extend to national security, political discourse, and the preservation of democratic norms, potentially normalizing authoritarian behavior and eroding the sacrifices of those who serve.
