Overview
- The Defense Department confirmed it advanced its review of the Arizona senator to an official command investigation for “serious allegations of misconduct.”
- Officials say possible outcomes include recalling the retired Navy captain to active duty for a court-martial or imposing administrative measures, though no charges have been announced.
- Kelly blasted the move as an intimidation effort, said he has not been formally notified, and his attorney warned of immediate legal action to block any proceedings.
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Kelly is subject to the UCMJ because he is retired, unlike the other five lawmakers in the video, as President Trump labeled their message “seditious,” drawing condemnation from the lawmakers.
- The dispute surfaced during classified briefings on contested boat strikes, with Kelly and Hegseth trading barbs, while legal experts say any prosecution would face steep constitutional and procedural hurdles.