Overview
- War Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered Navy Secretary John Phelan to brief him on the Mark Kelly review by Dec. 10, with no outcome announced so far.
- Pentagon officials say the review could lead to recall to active duty for court-martial or administrative measures, though no charges have been filed.
- Kelly came under review after he and five other veteran lawmakers posted a Nov. 18 video reminding troops they must refuse unlawful orders, with Kelly subject to the UCMJ as a retired officer.
- Senate Armed Services Committee Democrats, excluding Kelly, sent a Dec. 9 letter calling the inquiry a “brazen abuse of power” and arguing it sets a dangerous precedent, citing public rhetoric from President Donald Trump and Hegseth.
- Some Democrats link their warning to recent U.S. maritime strike operations that destroyed more than 20 boats and killed roughly 85 people, and Congress has moved to compel unedited strike footage in the FY2026 defense bill.