In a formal statement, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced administrative proceedings against Senator Mark Kelly, citing what he described as “reckless and seditious” public statements that allegedly undermined military order and discipline.
According to Secretary Hegseth, the action stems from a video released six weeks ago in which Senator Kelly and five other members of Congress made statements encouraging disobedience within the Armed Forces and questioning the legality of ongoing military operations. As a retired US Navy Captain still receiving military pay, Kelly remains subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice, the statement emphasized.
The Department of War has initiated retirement grade determination proceedings under Title 10, Section 1370(f) of the US Code, which could reduce Kelly’s retired rank and corresponding pension. Secretary Hegseth has also issued a formal Letter of Censure, which will be permanently placed in Kelly’s military personnel file.
Senator Kelly has been given 30 days to respond, with the department expecting the proceedings to conclude within 45 days. Hegseth stressed that Kelly’s role as a sitting Senator does not exempt him from accountability and warned that further violations could result in additional actions.
The disciplinary measures are based on Kelly’s public statements from June through December 2025, which the department claims mischaracterized lawful military operations as illegal and encouraged service members to refuse lawful orders—violating Articles 133 and 134 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.