URGENT UPDATE: The Pentagon has just announced plans to demote U.S. Senator Mark Kelly from his rank as a retired Navy captain, citing allegations of “reckless misconduct.” This shocking decision, revealed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Monday, will slash Kelly’s military retirement pay and officially censure him.
The Pentagon has initiated proceedings that will significantly impact Kelly, who has served Arizona as a Democratic senator and is a decorated military veteran. Hegseth claims that Kelly and other Democratic lawmakers urged troops to refuse illegal orders, which he labeled as “seditious in nature.” Kelly has vowed to “fight this with everything I’ve got,” calling the actions against him “outrageous” and “un-American.”
In a statement on social media platform X, Kelly expressed his determination to resist what he sees as a politically motivated attack:
“Pete Hegseth wants to send the message to every single retired servicemember that if they say something he or Donald Trump doesn’t like, they will come after them the same way.”
This move comes amid a broader context of escalating tensions between the Trump administration and its critics. The Pentagon’s actions against Kelly follow recent purges of military leadership, and it highlights ongoing accusations that the administration seeks to stifle dissent among military and public officials.
Hegseth indicated that Kelly has 30 days to respond to the allegations, with the administrative process expected to conclude within 15 days thereafter. He emphasized that Kelly’s position as a sitting senator does not exempt him from military accountability. Should further violations occur, Kelly could face additional repercussions.
The controversy stems from a November 18 video message in which Kelly and other lawmakers addressed concerns about unlawful military orders. They argued that their statements were in line with U.S. law, particularly regarding military engagement in Latin American waters. The Pentagon has justified military strikes against alleged drug traffickers, labeling them as terrorists. However, critics, including Kelly, fear that these actions are unlawful.
Hegseth’s statement underscores the serious nature of the allegations, with Trump himself accusing Kelly of sedition—a charge that carries severe consequences, including potential death penalties under military law. Hegseth stated,
“As a retired Navy Captain who is still receiving a military pension, Captain Kelly knows he is still accountable to military justice.”
This unfolding situation not only affects Senator Kelly but also raises significant concerns among military veterans and current servicemembers regarding their rights to speak out against government actions. As this story develops, all eyes will be on Washington to see how Senator Kelly responds and whether the Pentagon will follow through with its announced measures.
Stay tuned for more updates on this urgent situation as it continues to unfold. The implications of these actions could have lasting effects on military and political discourse in the United States.
