Hegseth Starts Proceedings Against Sen. Mark Kelly Over His Remarks
The New York Times••general
Key Points:
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced administrative actions against Senator Mark Kelly that could lower his retirement rank and military pension due to a video Kelly released urging military personnel to refuse illegal orders.
- Hegseth labeled the video "seditious" and accused Kelly of reckless misconduct undermining military discipline, while Kelly and his legal team argued he was affirming a core military law principle.
- Kelly, a retired Navy captain and astronaut, remains subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice and can be disciplined despite his Senate role; Hegseth also issued a formal Letter of Censure to be added to Kelly’s permanent file.
- The decision on reducing Kelly’s rank and pension will be made within 45 days, with Hegset
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