Sen. Mark Kelly

Senators Mark Kelly, a former astronaut and Democrat from Arizona, and Todd Young, a Republican from Indiana, discuss America's critical need to revitalize shipbuilding to enhance national security and economic stability. They highlight the alarming decline in U.S.-flagged vessels compared to China's dominance. The duo explains the bipartisan SHIPS for America Act, aimed at boosting domestic ship production, and the importance of strategic maritime capabilities amidst rising geopolitical tensions. Collaboration with allies is also emphasized to fortify U.S. maritime strength.

Mark Kelly, U.S. Senator and ex-Navy pilot focused on national security, and Beto O'Rourke, former U.S. Representative turned Texas organizer, join the conversation. They dissect chaotic justifications for strikes on Iran and the risks of unclear military aims. They also explore rising Democratic energy in Texas, turnout boosts, and the high-stakes fights shaping future elections.

President Donald Trump likely won’t listen to this podcast, but Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona has a warning for him: Any attempt to take Greenland using military force will probably go down as the biggest mistake made by a president in all of U.S. history. In this conversation with Kelly, we discuss the impact of the censure letter against him sent by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the legality of U.S. military strikes in the Caribbean, the future of the Democratic Party, and his family’s response to political violence. - - - Get more from your favorite Atlantic voices when you subscribe. You’ll enjoy unlimited access to Pulitzer-winning journalism, from clear-eyed analysis and insight on breaking news to fascinating explorations of our world. Atlantic subscribers also get access to exclusive subscriber audio in Apple Podcasts. Subscribe today at TheAtlantic.com/Listener. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Kelly, U.S. senator from Arizona and retired Navy captain, brings military and oversight experience. He discusses accountability for a deadly strike, confusion in administration messaging, targeting and civilian casualty concerns, the strategic rationale for fighting Iran, and links between the conflict and fuel prices.

Mark Kelly, retired Navy captain and Arizona senator, offers national security perspective. Abby Livingston, Texas politics reporter, breaks down surprising primary results. Leigh Ann Caldwell, national affairs reporter, analyzes congressional reactions and public opinion. They debate the risks and rationale for the Iran strikes. They unpack Texas primary upsets, Trump endorsements, and Kristi Noem’s Capitol Hill troubles.

Mark Warner, U.S. Senator and Senate Intelligence vice chair, flags election security and intelligence risks. Mark Kelly, former astronaut and senator on Intelligence and Armed Services, warns about unqualified national security picks. They talk tense hearings, clashes over DHS leadership, intelligence oversight, and the risks of politicized security staffing.

Senator Amy Klobuchar, a U.S. Senator from Minnesota, discusses the community's grief following the tragic ICE shooting of Renee Good and highlights the need for independent investigations and policy reform. Senator Mark Kelly, a former astronaut, delves into gun violence prevention and the importance of advocating for safety legislation. Together, they explore the implications of ICE's actions and the broader topics of accountability in law enforcement and the ongoing fight for gun safety, drawing from personal and political experiences.

Catherine Rampell, an economics columnist at The Bulwark, dives into Trump's inaccuracies on inflation and tariffs, revealing their real-world economic impacts. Vaughn Hillyard, a senior White House correspondent, analyzes the chaotic messaging behind Trump's speech, while Mark Kelly, Arizona's U.S. Senator and former astronaut, critiques the address as defensive, mocking its math. Chris Whipple, an investigative journalist, shares insights from his Vanity Fair piece about Susie Wiles, highlighting her influence on Trump’s messaging and the political risks involved.

Sen. Mark Kelly, U.S. senator and retired Navy combat pilot focused on national security and veterans’ issues, discusses a near-indictment that he says threatened free speech and could have sparked constitutional turmoil. He warns of chilling effects on retired military voices. He critiques Republican leadership responses and outlines potential legal and congressional pushback.

Former Congressman Adam Kinzinger, known for his bold Trump critiques, and Senator Mark Kelly, a former NASA astronaut, dive deep into the political intricacies of military oversight. They critique the recent defense nominee hearings, discussing troubling political influences and the dangers of partisan dynamics. Kinzinger and Kelly analyze Joe Kent's extreme views and their potential threat to national security as well as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of strong leadership in intelligence and defense.