Hegseth Censures Sen. Kelly, Starts Rank Review Over Video

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Monday that he has issued a formal letter of censure against Sen. Mark Kelly, a Democrat from Arizona and retired Navy captain, and initiated proceedings that could reduce his retired military rank and pension. The actions stem from Kelly's participation in a November video in which he and five other Democratic lawmakers urged active-duty service members to refuse illegal orders.

Hegseth, in a statement posted on social media, described the video as containing seditious statements intended to undermine military discipline. He directed the Secretary of the Navy to conduct a retirement grade determination review under federal law, with a recommendation due in 45 days. The censure will be placed in Kelly's permanent military personnel file, and he has 30 days to submit a response. As a retired officer receiving a pension, Kelly remains subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice, unlike the other participants who are not retirees. Hegseth cited potential violations of Article 133, which addresses conduct unbecoming an officer, and Article 134, a broad provision covering various offenses that could bring discredit to the armed forces.