Overview
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a formal letter of censure to Sen. Mark Kelly and initiated retirement grade determination proceedings under 10 U.S.C. §1370(f) that could reduce his retired rank and pay.
- Hegseth alleges violations of UCMJ Articles 133 and 134 for conduct unbecoming and undermining good order and discipline, stressing that Kelly’s status as a sitting senator does not exempt him from accountability.
- Kelly has 30 days to respond, with the Pentagon targeting a decision within 45 days; the Navy secretary has been directed to complete the review on that timeline.
- Kelly and Democratic leaders condemned the move as political retribution and vowed to fight it, while legal challenges are expected given First Amendment and Speech or Debate Clause questions.
- Only Kelly falls under Pentagon jurisdiction among the six lawmakers in the video because he is a retired officer receiving pay; President Trump previously denounced the group as “seditious,” escalating the political stakes.