Transcript: Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Aug. 2, 2026

Key Points:

• Senator Mark Kelly criticized the Trump administration's handling of the ongoing Iran conflict, describing the president's approach as erratic and lacking a clear strategic goal or timeline, which has led to significant American casualties and economic strain on veterans and citizens.
• Kelly highlighted the depletion of U.S. military munitions due to extensive bombing campaigns and expressed concern over reported Pentagon warnings about resource shortages impacting the defense of Israel and the U.S. homeland.
• He expressed skepticism about approving additional defense funding requested by the administration, citing a previously passed trillion-dollar budget that he believes was squandered and warning against unchecked military spending amid the national debt crisis.
• On the political front, Kelly acknowledged the challenges facing Democrats in the upcoming midterm elections, including low approval ratings and redistricting disadvantages, but remained optimistic about the party's chances to regain control of the House and possibly the Senate.
• Regarding intelligence leadership, Kelly welcomed the impending replacement of acting Director Bill Pulte with Jay Clayton, criticizing Pulte's qualifications and management, and indicated that this change could facilitate progress on renewing FISA authority.