Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has announced formal disciplinary measures against Senator Mark Kelly, D-Ariz. This action includes a review of Kelly’s military rank and retirement benefits due to what Hegseth describes as “seditious statements” that threaten military discipline.
Review of Retirement Status
Hegseth has instructed Secretary of the Navy John Phelan to assess Kelly’s retirement status and provide recommendations within a 45-day timeframe. This review could lead to a downgrade in Kelly’s rank and a corresponding reduction in his pension, which is dependent on his military rank.
“Six weeks ago, Senator Mark Kelly, along with five other members of Congress, released a video that was reckless and seditious, clearly intended to undermine good order and military discipline,” Hegseth stated. As a retired Navy captain receiving a military pension, Kelly is still held accountable to military justice.
Censure Letter Issued
In addition to the review, a censure letter will be issued to Kelly that outlines the “totality of Captain Kelly’s reckless misconduct.” Such letters are recorded in a service member’s permanent personnel file and can serve as a basis for reducing rank, pay, or benefits, while also issuing a warning that further violations could incur severe penalties.
Hegseth noted, “This censure is a necessary procedural step and will be placed in Captain Kelly’s official and permanent military personnel file.” The Department of War emphasized that Kelly’s role as a sitting U.S. senator does not exempt him from accountability.
Response Timeline and Accusations
Kelly will have 30 days to respond to the findings articulated by Hegseth. The disciplinary actions result from public statements Kelly made between June and December 2025, which the Department of War claims mischaracterized lawful military operations as illegal and encouraged Armed Forces members to decline lawful orders.
Senator Kelly was part of a group of six Democratic lawmakers with military or intelligence backgrounds who released a video titled “Don’t Give Up the Ship.” The video conveyed to service members that “our laws are clear. You can refuse illegal orders.” Alongside Kelly, other members of this group included Senator Elissa Slotkin from Michigan and Representatives Chris Deluzio from Pennsylvania, Maggie Goodlander from New Hampshire, Chrissy Houlahan from Pennsylvania, and Jason Crow from Colorado.
Context and Implications
The lawmakers involved have been advocating for limits on former President Donald Trump’s authority regarding specific military deployments. However, context regarding these concerns was not included in the video, which broadly advised troops to “stand up for our laws” and disobey unlawful commands.
The ongoing situation raises significant questions about the intersection of military conduct and political accountability. It highlights how political statements made by military veterans and public officials can lead to consequences affecting their military status and benefits.
As this issue unfolds, all eyes remain on both Senator Kelly and Secretary Hegseth, as the ramifications of the censure and review process could have lasting implications on Kelly’s military career and political future.