In a significant development, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced administrative measures against Senator Mark Kelly, a former Navy Captain, due to his involvement in a controversial video from late 2025 where he and other legislators, known as the "Seditious Six," urged active-duty troops to "refuse illegal orders.
".
According to The Post Millennial, Hegseth revealed that the Pentagon has commenced "retirement grade determination proceedings," which could lead to a downgrade in Kelly's rank and a consequent reduction in his retirement pay. "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 emphasized that as a retired Navy Captain still drawing a military pension, Kelly remains accountable to military justice, with both the Department of War and the American public demanding justice.
Hegseth further elaborated on the actions being taken, noting, "Therefore, in response to Senator Mark Kellys seditious statements and his pattern of reckless misconduct the Department of War is taking administrative action against Captain Mark E. Kelly, USN (Ret)."
The proceedings, initiated under 10 U.S.C. 1370(f), aim to reduce Kelly's retired grade, impacting his retired pay. Additionally, a formal Letter of Censure has been issued, which will be permanently included in Kelly's military personnel file, a step Hegseth described as "necessary" to document the full extent of Kelly's misconduct.
The Secretary of War clarified that Kelly has been informed of the grounds for this action and has a thirty-day window to respond. The retirement grade determination process, directed by Hegseth, is expected to conclude within forty-five days. Importantly, Kelly's position as a sitting U.S. Senator does not shield him from accountability, and further violations could prompt additional measures.
Hegseth cited Kelly's public remarks from June to December 2025, where he allegedly labeled lawful military operations as illegal and advised Armed Forces members to defy lawful orders. This behavior, deemed seditious, contravenes Articles 133 and 134 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, to which Kelly remains subject as a retired officer receiving pay.
Login