Overview
- The Defense Department launched a thorough review citing the UCMJ and 18 U.S.C. § 2387, saying actions could include recall to active duty for court-martial or administrative measures.
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Kelly was singled out because, as a retired officer, he remains under the UCMJ and appeared in the video using his rank and service affiliation.
- The Pentagon reminded troops that orders are presumed lawful and personal beliefs do not justify disobedience, as Democrats’ video offered no specific example of an unlawful order.
- President Donald Trump denounced the video as seditious—at one point calling it “punishable by DEATH” before urging arrests—while the White House voiced support for the Pentagon’s action.
- Kelly called the probe an intimidation effort and refused to back down, as Democrats reported a rise in death and bomb threats and congressional leaders sought enhanced security.