Overview
- The Defense Department said it received serious misconduct allegations against Kelly and is weighing recall to active duty for possible court‑martial or administrative action under the UCMJ and 18 U.S.C. § 2387.
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Kelly was singled out because retirees remain under military jurisdiction and because he invoked his rank and service affiliation in the message to troops.
- President Donald Trump labeled the video seditious and initially referenced punishment by death, and lawmakers reported threats and a bomb threat to a district office after his posts.
- Kelly said he learned of the probe from Hegseth’s social media post, called the investigation an attempt at intimidation, and pledged to continue his oversight duties.
- Pentagon statements stressed that orders are presumed lawful and disobedience is not excused by personal beliefs, while reporters noted it is unusually public for the department to investigate a sitting senator and no charges have been announced.