Hegseth launches action targeting Sen. Kelly’s rank, retirement : NPR

Senator Mark Kelly, Democrat of Arizona, speaks during a press conference at the Capitol on December 1, 2025, in Washington, DC. Kelly organized the event to address what he described as bullying actions by President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, following the release of a video in which Kelly and several lawmakers urged U.S. troops to refuse “unlawful orders.”

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Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

Arizona Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly is vowing to fight back after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced he was taking administrative action against Kelly.

Hegseth claims Kelly’s public statements, including a video message telling troops not to follow illegal orders, constitute sedition.

In a statement on social media, the defense secretary said he had initiated a formal 45-day process to reduce Kelly’s rank and retirement pay.

“In response to Senator Mark Kelly’s seditious statements – and reckless behavior – the Department of War is taking administrative action against Captain Mark E. Kelly, USN (Ret.),” Hegseth’s statement read.

This administrative action will include a review of Kelly’s retirement grade, which could result in a change or reduction in his grade “resulting in a corresponding reduction in retirement pay.”

Hegseth also announced that he had issued an official letter of censure that would be placed in Kelly’s official military file.

In response, Kelly released a statement, saying he had earned his rank in combat and as an astronaut, and that Hegseth and the Trump administration were trying to stifle free speech and dissent among retired military officers.

“My rank and retirement are things I earned through my service and sacrifice for this country. I was shot at. I missed holidays and birthdays. I commanded a space shuttle mission while my wife Gabby recovered from a gunshot wound to the head – all while proudly carrying the American flag on my shoulder,” Kelly said.

“Pete Hegseth wants to send a message to every retired military member that if he says something that he or Donald Trump doesn’t like, they will come after him the same way. It’s outrageous and it’s wrong. There’s nothing more un-American than that,” Kelly added.

The Arizona senator said he would not be intimidated by censures or threats against his rank and retirement. He said he plans to fight the action.

“I will fight this with everything I have – not for myself, but to send the message that Pete Hegseth and Donald Trump cannot decide what Americans in this country have to say about their government.”

Before becoming a senator, Kelly spent 25 years as a pilot in the Navy and retired with full military benefits. This status subjects it to the code of military justice. The Pentagon opened an investigation into Kelly in November.