Defense Secretary Hegseth Censures Senator Kelly Over Video Urging Troops to Defy Unlawful Orders

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has issued a letter of censure to Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) for his involvement in a video advising military personnel to refuse unlawful orders. This action may lead to Kelly's demotion from his retired rank of Navy captain.

In November, Kelly, along with five other Democratic lawmakers—all veterans—released a 90-second video urging service members to uphold the Constitution and resist illegal commands.

President Donald Trump responded by accusing the lawmakers of sedition, stating such behavior is "punishable by DEATH."

Hegseth's censure is part of proceedings that could result in Kelly's demotion. Kelly, a former Navy pilot and astronaut, criticized the move as an attack on free speech, vowing to fight the censure to protect Americans' rights to express opinions about their government.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer condemned Hegseth's action as political retribution, describing it as "a despicable act."

The Pentagon's investigation focuses solely on Kelly, as he is the only participant in the video who formally retired from the military and remains under Pentagon jurisdiction.

Kelly has 30 days to respond to the censure, with a final decision on his rank expected within 45 days.