Kelly Fires Back At Pete Hegseth After Pentagon Moves Forward With Investigation
WASHINGTON — Sen. Mark Kelly pushed back sharply Monday after the Pentagon confirmed it is investigating his role in a recent video urging U.S. troops to reject “illegal orders.”
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Kelly, a retired Navy captain, said he would not be intimidated, telling reporters he has “given too much to this country” to back down as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ramps up scrutiny of the lawmakers involved.
The Pentagon launched the review after Kelly and several other veteran lawmakers appeared in a short video reminding service members that they are obligated to disobey unlawful commands. Kelly is the only participant who can still be recalled to active duty under military law, putting him at unique legal risk.
Hegseth has publicly condemned the video, claiming it could undermine discipline within the ranks. The Trump administration has also escalated its rhetoric, calling the lawmakers’ message “seditious.”
Kelly dismissed the investigation as a political move, saying it “won’t work” and emphasizing that the message in the video centered on upholding the Constitution.
The Pentagon has not announced charges or a timeline for completing its review.