Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has initiated administrative actions against Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, a retired Navy captain, following a video in which Kelly urged troops to refuse unlawful orders. The moves include a formal censure and a review that could reduce Kelly's retirement rank and pay. Kelly vows to fight back, defending his right to speak out.
On January 5, 2026, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced administrative measures against Democratic Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona, stemming from a November 2025 video Kelly co-released with five other congressional veterans. The video, titled "Don't Give Up the Ship" and posted on November 18 by Senator Elissa Slotkin, advised military and intelligence personnel to refuse unlawful orders and uphold the Constitution.
Hegseth described the video as "reckless and seditious," intended to undermine military discipline. In a statement, he said: "In response to Senator Mark Kelly's seditious statements — and his pattern of reckless misconduct — the Department of Defense is taking administrative action against Captain Mark E. Kelly, USN (Ret)." The actions include a formal censure letter placed in Kelly's military file and a 45-day review of his retirement grade, which could result in a rank reduction from captain and a corresponding cut to his pension. As a retired officer receiving benefits, Kelly remains subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
Kelly, who served 25 years as a Navy pilot, flew 39 combat missions, and commanded four space shuttle missions, responded defiantly. "My rank and retirement are things that I earned through my service and sacrifice for this country," he stated, referencing his wife's recovery from a 2011 shooting while he led a mission. He added: "I will fight this with everything I've got — not for myself, but to send a message back that Pete Hegseth and Donald Trump don't get to decide what Americans in this country get to say about their government."
The other video participants—Senators Slotkin of Michigan and Representatives Jason Crow of Colorado, Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire, Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania—are not subject to similar discipline, as they did not retire with pensions. President Trump previously called such actions "punishable by DEATH" on Truth Social. While Hegseth has not pursued a court-martial, he indicated ongoing review of options if Kelly continues criticizing military orders.
This dispute arises amid broader tensions, including U.S. operations in Venezuela capturing President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores on narcotrafficking charges, with potential similar actions against other nations.
