Secretary of War Pete Hegseth moved to demote Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) on Monday, initiating administrative action against the retired Navy captain. The move follows Kelly’s appearance in a viral video that encouraged U.S. service members and intelligence agencies to “refuse illegal orders” from the Trump administration.
Hegseth characterized the video as “reckless and seditious,” arguing it was a deliberate attempt to undermine military discipline. Because Kelly is a retired officer receiving a pension, Hegseth maintains he remains subject to military justice and “retirement grade determination proceedings.”
The Pentagon is also issuing a formal letter of censure to the Senator, citing a pattern of “reckless misconduct.” Hegseth emphasized that Kelly’s status as a sitting United States Senator “does not exempt him from accountability” under the law.
Senator Kelly fired back on Monday afternoon, calling the move “outrageous” and a direct threat to the free speech of all retired service members. He vowed to fight the demotion, labeling Hegseth the “most unqualified Secretary of Defense” in the nation’s history.
Kelly argued that the administration is trying to send a message that “if they say something he or Donald Trump doesn’t like, they will come after them.” He insisted he would not be intimidated by threats of prosecution or a reduction in his retired pay.
The controversy stems from a November video featuring Kelly and five other Democratic lawmakers, all of whom are veterans or former intelligence officers. President Trump previously blasted the recording as “seditious,” leading to a broader FBI inquiry into the participants.
Among those being investigated are Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) and House Representatives from Colorado, New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania. Slotkin has already moved to create a legal defense fund as the Department of War intensifies its scrutiny.
Political analysts suggest the move could have unintended consequences for the administration. Some experts believe that targeting a high-profile veteran like Kelly could inadvertently position him as a leading contender for the 2028 presidential race.