> At a Glance
> – Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth wants to strip Sen. Mark Kelly of his Navy captain rank and pension
> – Action stems from a Nov. 18 video urging troops to reject illegal orders
> – Kelly vows to fight the move “with everything I’ve got”
> – Why it matters: The outcome could redefine how retired officers speak out on military legality
A Nov. 18 video message to troops has triggered a high-stakes clash between the Pentagon and Sen. Mark Kelly, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth moving to slash the Arizona Democrat’s retirement pay.
The Video That Sparked It
In the Nov. 18 clip, Kelly and five House Democrats told service members they may lawfully refuse illegal orders amid U.S. airstrikes on Caribbean and eastern Pacific vessels. Kelly, a retired Navy captain, reminded troops that “our laws are clear.”
Hegseth labeled the message a “reckless and seditious video” and on Jan. 5 announced the Department of Defense had opened proceedings to reduce Kelly’s retired rank and pay.
Who Else Was in the Video
- Rep. Christopher Deluzio (Navy Reserve)
- Rep. Maggie Goodlander (Marine Corps Reserve)
- Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (Air Force Reserve)
- Rep. Jason Crow (Army Reserve)
- Sen. Elissa Slotkin (CIA analyst)
Only Kelly faces penalties because the others separated from service rather than retiring, placing them outside the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
What Happens Next
The Pentagon has issued a formal Letter of Censure; Kelly has 30 days to respond. Hegseth has 45 days to finalize the grade determination. Any reduction would cut Kelly’s monthly pension.
Kelly fired back on his website:
> “My rank and retirement are things that I earned. If Pete Hegseth thinks he can intimidate me, he still doesn’t get it.”
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Sept. 2025 | U.S. airstrikes hit vessels without congressional authorization |
| Nov. 18, 2025 | Kelly releases video urging troops to refuse illegal orders |
| Dec. 2025 | Attorney Paul Fishman calls potential action unconstitutional |
| Jan. 5, 2026 | Hegseth announces retirement grade proceedings |
Kelly’s legal team contends Hegseth himself said in a 2016 speech that troops should refuse unlawful orders, citing the same principle Kelly invoked.
Key Takeaways
- The Pentagon can pursue retired officers under military justice rules
- Kelly’s status as a senator does not shield him from the process
- A final decision on rank and pay is expected within weeks
The standoff highlights the limits of free speech for retired military personnel and could set precedent for future officer dissent.
