Pete Hegseth Takes Action Against Mark Kelly Over Military Video

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth is pursuing disciplinary action against Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) over a video he made with other Democratic lawmakers about military orders.

Kelly and five other members of Congress released a video addressing active-duty military personnel. They told service members they could refuse orders that violate the law, citing the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).

The video prompted an FBI investigation, and the lawmakers were asked for interviews.

Pete Hegseth has initiated proceedings to reduce Kelly's military retirement rank, which would also cut his pension. Hegseth issued a formal Letter of Censure for Kelly's permanent military record.

According to Hegseth, Kelly's public statements between June and December 2025 "characterized lawful military operations as illegal and counseled members of the Armed Forces to refuse lawful orders." He called this conduct "seditious in nature" and said it violated military justice articles that still apply to retired officers receiving military pay.

"Captain Kelly's status as a sitting United States Senator does not exempt him from accountability," Hegseth stated.

Kelly's Response

Kelly responded by emphasizing his military service, twenty-five years in the Navy, thirty-nine combat missions, and four space missions. He noted he commanded a space shuttle while his wife, former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, recovered from a gunshot wound.

"I risked my life for this country and to defend our Constitution – including the First Amendment rights of every American to speak out," Kelly said. He argued his rank was earned through service and sacrifice.

“It’s outrageous and it is wrong. There is nothing more un-American than that,” he continued.

Kelly accused the administration of attempting to intimidate retired servicemembers into silence and called Hegseth "the most unqualified Secretary of Defense in our country's history."

He vowed to fight the action "not for myself, but to send a message back that Pete Hegseth and Donald Trump don't get to decide what Americans in this country get to say."

Kelly has thirty days to respond before the process concludes within forty-five days.