Overview
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a formal letter of censure to Kelly on Jan. 5 and initiated retirement‑grade determination proceedings that could lower his retired Navy rank and cut his pay.
- Kelly has 30 days to respond to the action, with a decision directed within 45 days, and the censure will be placed in his permanent military personnel file.
- The case stems from a Nov. 18 video in which Kelly and five other Democratic lawmakers urged service members to refuse unlawful orders; the Pentagon says only Kelly faces action because he is a retired officer still under its jurisdiction.
- Hegseth alleges violations of UCMJ Articles 133 and 134 concerning conduct unbecoming an officer and good order and discipline, though no recall or court‑martial has been initiated.
- Kelly vowed to fight the action as political punishment, President Trump previously labeled the video “seditious,” and legal experts describe the proceedings as unprecedented and likely to face challenges.