Sen. Mark Kelly’s (D-Ariz.) retirement ranking could be reduced over what Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said Monday was conduct “seditious in nature” after Kelly appeared in a video urging service members to disobey unlawful orders.
Why it matters: The potential demotion is a serious escalation, typically reserved for significant misconduct, and could drastically affect Kelly’s pension.
What they’re saying: “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,” Hegseth said in a post on X on Monday.
- “As a retired Navy Captain who is still receiving a military pension, Captain Kelly knows he is still accountable to military justice. And the Department of War — and the American people — expect justice.”
- “Therefore, in response to Senator Mark Kelly’s seditious statements — and his pattern of reckless misconduct — the Department of War is taking administrative action.”
- That action includes a review of Kelly’s activity, which could result in a “reduction in his retired grade,” Hegseth said. A downgrade to the senator’s ranking could impact the amount of money Kelly can receive from his pension.
Catch up quick: Hegseth said his actions are based on Kelly’s “public statements from June through December 2025 in which he characterized lawful military operations as illegal and counseled members of the Armed Forces to refuse lawful orders.
- “This conduct was seditious in nature and violated Articles 133 and 134 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, to which Captain Kelly remains subject as a retired officer receiving pay.”
What we’re watching: Kelly has 30 days to submit a response to the proceedings, and the retirement grade determination process will be completed within 45 days.
Source: Hegseth goes after Mark Kelly’s rank over “seditious” video
