Ask Onix
Pentagon initiates proceedings to demote Senator Mark Kelly
The U.S. Department of Defense announced Monday it has begun retirement-grade determination proceedings against Democratic Senator Mark Kelly, a retired Navy captain, over a video it described as "seditious." The move could result in a reduction of Kelly's military pension.
Defense Secretary accuses lawmakers of undermining military discipline
In a statement posted on X, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth called the video, released by Kelly and five other Democratic members of Congress, "reckless and seditious," alleging it was intended to "undermine good order and military discipline."
The video, published last November, urged U.S. service members to refuse unlawful orders, coinciding with debates over the legality of American strikes on suspected drug-trafficking boats off South America.
"Senator Mark Kelly-and five other members of Congress-released a reckless and seditious video that was clearly intended to undermine good order and military discipline."
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
Kelly vows to fight Pentagon's decision
Kelly, a former Navy pilot and astronaut, condemned the Pentagon's action as "outrageous" and "un-American," pledging to contest the proceedings.
"If Pete Hegseth, the most unqualified Secretary of Defense in our country's history, thinks he can intimidate me with a censure or threats to demote me or prosecute me, he still doesn't get it."
Senator Mark Kelly (D-Arizona)
He added that he would fight the decision "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 about their government."
Legal experts question Pentagon's authority over political speech
While retired military personnel remain subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), legal analysts have raised doubts about the Pentagon's authority to penalize a sitting senator for political speech.
Kelly, who served over two decades in the Navy and is a highly decorated retired captain, argued that the review was an attempt to silence congressional oversight of the administration.
Former President Donald Trump weighed in on Truth Social, accusing the lawmakers of "SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL" shortly before the Pentagon announced its review.
Next steps and timeline
Kelly has 30 days to submit an official response to the Pentagon's notice, according to Hegseth's statement. The retirement-grade determination process could lead to a reduction in his retired pay if the proceedings move forward.
Hegseth emphasized that Kelly, as a retired officer, remains accountable to military justice, stating, "The Department of War-and the American people-expect justice."
