The Pentagon has just announced it is moving to cut the military retirement pay of Sen. Mark Kelly, accusing the decorated veteran and astronaut of making “seditious” statements regarding military discipline, as per CNBC. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the disciplinary action, which targets the Arizona Democrat’s rank and pension earned over decades of service.
Hegseth also issued a formal letter of censure against Kelly, detailing what he called “reckless misconduct” by the retired Navy captain. This is an incredibly aggressive move against a sitting member of Congress who dedicated his life to service.
The Defense Department has officially started a proceeding aimed at reducing Kelly’s rank in retirement. That reduction would directly lead to a decrease in the retirement pay he receives. Hegseth explained that the action stems from a video released six weeks ago where Kelly, along with five other members of Congress, told service members they have the right to refuse to execute illegal orders.
You can expect Kelly to fight this disciplinary action every step of the way
“Six weeks ago, 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,” Hegseth stated. He stressed that Kelly, as a retired Navy Captain still receiving a military pension, remains accountable to military justice.
The video in question was posted on November 18, and it was created in response to questionable US military operations. The military had conducted about 20 airstrikes on boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific Ocean, targeting purported drug smugglers. Those strikes killed scores of people, and their legality has been heavily questioned. In the video, Kelly makes a very direct statement, saying, “Our laws are clear: you can refuse illegal orders.”
Kelly immediately vowed to fight the disciplinary action “with everything I’ve got,” and he called Hegseth “the most unqualified Secretary of Defense in our country’s history.” The senator quickly pointed to his extensive background, noting that he risked his life for the country and to defend the Constitution. “Over twenty-five years in the U.S. Navy, thirty-nine combat missions, and four missions to space, I risked my life for this country and to defend our Constitution,” Kelly wrote.
Kelly believes this action is pure political retribution aimed at silencing dissent. He accused the administration of trying to send a chilling message to all retired service members. “Pete Hegseth wants to send the message to every single retired servicemember that if they say something he or Donald Trump doesn’t like, they will come after them the same way,” the senator said. “It’s outrageous and it is wrong. There is nothing more un-American than that.”
Kelly has 30 days to file a response to the decision to cut his rank and retirement pay. While the Pentagon had previously considered more severe options like recalling him to active duty or a court-martial proceeding, Hegseth’s statement suggests those severe actions are off the table for now. However, Hegseth issued a strong warning, stating that Kelly’s status as a sitting Senator doesn’t grant him immunity, and “further violations could result in further action.”
Published: Jan 6, 2026 12:30 pm