The Pentagon has initiated formal proceedings to demote Arizona Senator Mark Kelly and reduce his military retirement pay following a censure from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The censure stems from a video Kelly released last year encouraging U.S. service members to resist illegal orders. Hegseth made the announcement on Monday, stating that the action was necessary to uphold military justice.
Censure and Demotion Process Launched
In his official statement, Hegseth confirmed that he has issued a formal censure against Kelly and has initiated a review to determine the appropriate action regarding Kelly’s retired rank and pay grade. Secretary of the Navy John Phelan is tasked with reviewing Kelly’s status and must submit a recommendation to the Defense Department within the next 45 days.
According to Hegseth, “As a retired Navy Captain who is still receiving a military pension, Captain Kelly knows he is still accountable to military justice. The Department of War — and the American people — expect justice.” This censure typically results in a letter of strong disapproval being placed in the service member’s official file, which in this case will ensure a thorough review of Kelly’s rank and pay.
Kelly has been given 30 days to appeal the censure. In response, he criticized Hegseth’s actions, suggesting that they send a troubling message to all retired service members. “It’s outrageous and it is wrong. There is nothing more un-American than that,” Kelly stated, expressing his commitment to fight against the demotion measures.
Background on Controversial Statements
The actions taken against Kelly are a direct response to his public comments made between June and December of last year. Hegseth accused Kelly of mischaracterizing lawful military operations as illegal and advised service members to disobey lawful orders. The controversy escalated when Kelly, along with five other lawmakers who are military veterans, released a video on November 18, 2022. In this video, they advised service members and intelligence personnel to disregard orders that violate the law, irrespective of their source.
While Kelly did not specify any particular illegal order allegedly issued by the Trump administration, his comments drew significant criticism. Opponents expressed concern that such statements could foster confusion and disorder among military personnel. In a related interview, Kelly reiterated that military members and law enforcement officials, including ICE agents, are not obligated to follow unlawful orders. “Do the job in a respectful way and follow the law,” he remarked, emphasizing that no one should be compelled to violate constitutional rights.
Former President Donald Trump responded sharply to the video, labeling Kelly and the other Democratic lawmakers as “traitors” and suggesting that they should face legal consequences. Trump even asserted via social media that “seditious behavior” could warrant death, underscoring the charged atmosphere surrounding this issue.
As a retired captain in the U.S. Navy, Kelly’s military background includes roles as a pilot, combat veteran, and NASA astronaut. The outcome of the review and any subsequent appeals could have significant implications for both Kelly’s political career and the broader discourse surrounding military conduct and accountability.