Transcript: Sen. Mark Kelly on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," May 10, 2026
CBS News • • general
Key Points:
- Senator Mark Kelly expressed deep concern over the depletion of U.S. munitions due to the Iran war, warning that prolonged conflicts could weaken America's ability to defend allies like Taiwan against China.
- Kelly criticized the current administration's $1.5 trillion defense budget request as excessive and misaligned with current needs, signaling his opposition to the proposal.
- He highlighted China's and Russia's support for Iran as adversarial, endorsing sanctions but criticizing the administration for insufficient action against Russia.
- On the Ukraine conflict, Kelly viewed recent comments by Vladimir Putin as cautiously positive but blamed former President Trump for undermining U.S. support to Ukraine and weakening pressure on Russia.
- Kelly discussed his ongoing lawsuit against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, defending his First Amendment rights as a retired service member and senator, and warning against government efforts to restrict free speech for retired military personnel.
