Senator Mark Kelly, Democrat of Arizona, speaks at a news conference at the Capitol on December 1, 2025 in Washington, DC. Kelly held an event to address what he said were intimidating actions by President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth following the release of a video in which Kelly and several lawmakers called on U.S. troops to refuse “illegal orders.”
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Arizona Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly vows to fight back after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced he was taking administrative action against Kelly.
Hegseth argues that Kelly's public statements, including a video message urging troops to disobey unlawful orders, constitute sedition.
In a statement on social media, the defense secretary said he had initiated a formal 45-day process to reduce Kelly's rank and retirement benefits.
“In response to Senator Mark Kelly's inflammatory statements—and his reckless misconduct—the Department of War is taking administrative action against U.S. Navy Capt. (Ret.) Mark E. Kelly,” Hegseth said in a statement.
This administrative action will include a review of Kelly's retirement level, which could result in a change or reduction in his rank, “resulting in a corresponding reduction in his retirement salary.”
Hegseth also announced that he had issued a formal letter of censure, which would be placed in Kelly's official military file.
In response, Kelly issued a statement saying he had earned his rank in combat and as an astronaut, and that Hegseth and the Trump administration had tried to suppress free speech and dissent among retired officers.
“My rank and retirement is something I earned through my service and sacrifice for this country. I've been shot at. I've missed holidays and birthdays. I commanded a spaceship while my wife Gabby recovered from a gunshot wound to the head – all while proudly wearing the American flag on my shoulder,” Kelly said.
“Pete Hegseth wants to make it clear to every retired military member that if they say anything he or Donald Trump doesn't like, they will come after them in the same way. This is outrageous and wrong. “There’s nothing more un-American than that,” Kelly added.
The Arizona senator said he would not be intimidated by censure or threats to his title or resignation. He said he plans to fight this action.
“I will fight this as hard as I can—not for myself, but to make it clear that Pete Hegseth and Donald Trump do not get to decide what Americans in this country can say about their government.”
Before becoming a senator, Kelly spent 25 years as a Navy pilot and retired with full military pay. This status makes him subject to the military code of justice. The Pentagon began investigating Kelly in November.
