In a significant move, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Monday the issuance of a letter of censure to Democratic Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona. This action is due to Kelly’s involvement in a controversial video urging military personnel to disobey unlawful orders.
Hegseth described the censure as a critical step in ongoing proceedings that may lead to Kelly’s demotion from his retired rank of captain in the U.S. Navy. Kelly’s office has yet to comment on this development.
The controversy began over a month ago when Kelly appeared alongside five other Democratic lawmakers in a video. The video encouraged troops to resist “illegal orders,” prompting a severe backlash from President Donald Trump, who labeled the act as sedition, “punishable by DEATH” through social media.
In November, the group of lawmakers, known for their military and intelligence backgrounds, emphasized in the video the importance of adhering to the Constitution. The video, first shared by Sen. Elissa Slotkin on her X account, was a direct address to military service members, acknowledging the “enormous stress and pressure” they face.
Following the video’s release, Trump intensified his accusations of sedition against the lawmakers, further drawing attention to the case. The Pentagon responded by initiating an investigation into Kelly, leveraging a federal law that permits recalling retired military personnel to active duty for potential disciplinary actions.
Kelly has criticized the investigation, suggesting it aims to suppress dissent within the military. “This is just about sending a message to retired service members, active duty service members, government employees — do not speak out against this president or there will be consequences,” Kelly stated in December.
Hegseth accused Kelly of contravening the Uniform Code of Military Justice, citing conduct unbecoming of an officer and undermining good order and discipline. Despite the investigation, Kelly and his colleagues have used the incident to bolster their fundraising efforts, using the heightened public attention to their advantage.
Sen. Mark Kelly says he won’t back down in the face of a Pentagon investigation after he and other Democratic lawmakers called on U.S. troops to refuse illegal orders.
Among the six lawmakers, Kelly is uniquely positioned under Pentagon scrutiny due to his retired military status. His political activities, including visits to key states like South Carolina, suggest aspirations for higher office, potentially setting the stage for a presidential run in 2028.
Hegseth reaffirmed that Kelly’s current role as a U.S. Senator does not shield him from accountability, warning that any further violations could lead to additional actions.
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