Pentagon Moves to Cut Sen. Mark Kelly’s Retirement Pay Over ‘Illegal Orders’ Video
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced that the Pentagon is pursuing steps to cut Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly’s military retirement pay and downgrade his retired rank after the Democratic lawmaker appeared in a video urging U.S. troops to refuse “illegal orders.”
The move escalates tension between the Pentagon and a sitting senator at the heart of a broader political controversy. The proceedings could significantly reduce Kelly’s pension and place a formal reprimand in his military record.
According to Pentagon officials, the decision stems from a Nov. 18 video in which Kelly and five other Democratic lawmakers — all military or intelligence veterans told service members and intelligence personnel that they may and should refuse unlawful orders.
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Hegseth has issued a formal letter of censure, accusing Kelly’s statements of undermining military discipline and constituting “reckless misconduct,” and initiated retirement grade determination proceedings that could lower Kelly’s retired Navy rank from captain and reduce his pay.
Kelly — a 25-year veteran and former NASA astronaut — has vowed to fight the action, calling it politically driven and an attempt to stifle free speech.
Legal experts and some lawmakers, including Republican Sen. Susan Collins, have raised constitutional concerns about targeting a senator’s speech.
Kelly has 30 days to respond to the proceedings, which are expected to conclude in about 45 days, with potential appeals or legal challenges to follow.
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