Sen. Mark Kelly delivered another sharp rebuke of Donald Trump on Saturday, just hours after the former president made a high-profile appearance at the annual Army–Navy game — an event traditionally viewed as a rare moment of unity and respect for U.S. service members.

Kelly accused Trump of politicizing the military showcase, arguing that the appearance was less about honoring the troops and more about fueling his personal political brand.

The Arizona senator suggested that turning a nonpartisan military tradition into a campaign-style moment disrespects the values the game represents.

The remarks quickly spread across social media, drawing praise from Trump critics and fierce backlash from MAGA allies, who accused Kelly of overreacting.

Political analysts noted that Kelly’s comments landed at a sensitive moment, as both parties remain locked in a battle over patriotism, military credibility, and voter perception.

But according to sources familiar with the exchange, it wasn’t Kelly’s public remarks that caused the biggest stir — it was a brief, off-camera statement, reportedly just seven words long, that has Trump’s inner circle quietly scrambling behind the scenes.