Pentagon launches action against Mark Kelly
The Pentagon says it plans to downgrade Democratic Senator Mark Kelly’s retired Navy rank, which would also cut his pension. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Kelly and five other lawmakers shared a video that told service members they could refuse unlawful orders. He called the video reckless and seditious and said it risked hurting discipline in the military.
Kelly calls the move political and un American
Mark Kelly once served as a Navy combat pilot and later flew with NASA as an astronaut. He pushed back hard against the Pentagon’s move. He said the action was outrageous and went against American values. Kelly added that political leaders should never try to silence speech or scare critics.
Video at center of controversy
The dispute goes back to a video shared last November. In it, Kelly and several other Democrats with military or intelligence backgrounds told troops that they do not have to follow illegal orders. The video appeared after U S forces struck suspected drug boats off South America. Kelly said the law is clear and that all troops swear to protect the constitution first.
Trump and Pentagon respond
Donald Trump blasted the lawmakers online and accused them of seditious behavior. Soon after, the Pentagon opened a review of Kelly’s conduct under military law. Hegseth said Kelly has 30 days to formally respond. He also said the department has begun a review that could lower Kelly’s retired rank and reduce his pension.
Kelly said he will not back down. He added that he plans to fight the decision and said neither Trump nor Hegseth gets to decide what Americans are allowed to say about their government.
