In a significant development, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has formally requested the Navy Secretary to conduct a comprehensive review of comments made by Democratic Senator Mark Kelly in a video directed at military personnel. The Pentagon has made this request public through a memo shared on social media platforms. Hegseth's memo stipulates that the Navy's review be finalized and presented to him by December 10.
Earlier this week, the Defense Department announced it would initiate an in-depth examination of Kelly's remarks in the video. Hegseth has openly criticized the Arizona senator, accusing him of improperly displaying his military medals. He labeled the video, where Kelly and other Democratic lawmakers suggested that military members could refuse unlawful orders, as a politically charged maneuver aimed at undermining military discipline.
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, Hegseth stated, "So 'Captain' Kelly, not only did your sedition video intentionally undercut good order & discipline, but you can't even display your uniform properly." He went on to highlight the discrepancies in Kelly's military medals, which he claimed were "out of order & rows reversed." Hegseth further noted that, should Kelly be recalled to active duty, he would face a uniform inspection.
In addition to questioning Kelly's military attire, Hegseth labeled the video featuring the senator and other Democratic lawmakers as a "politically-motivated influence operation." He emphasized, "The military already has clear procedures for handling unlawful orders. It does not need political actors injecting doubt into an already clear chain of command."
The allegations against Kelly come in the wake of President Donald Trump accusing the senator and other Democratic lawmakers of seditious behavior due to the content of the video. In accordance with the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), specifically 10 U.S.C. § 688, the Defense Department has initiated a thorough review to assess these allegations. This review could potentially lead to Kelly's recall to active duty for court-martial proceedings or other administrative actions.
The UCMJ mandates that military retirees can still be held accountable for applicable offenses, and federal laws such as 18 U.S.C. § 2387 prohibit actions that could disrupt the loyalty, morale, or good order and discipline of the armed forces. The Pentagon has assured that any violations will be addressed through the appropriate legal channels, emphasizing the importance of due process and impartiality.
In response to the Pentagon's announcement, Senator Kelly expressed his surprise, stating, "This was the first time I had heard of the review." He reflected on his long service, which includes commissioning as an Ensign in the United States Navy, multiple deployments, and extensive experience as a test pilot and astronaut. Kelly firmly asserted that he would not be intimidated by the current political climate, stating, "I’ve given too much to this country to be silenced by bullies who care more about their own power than protecting the Constitution."
While Hegseth labeled the six Democratic lawmakers in the video as the "Seditious Six," he clarified that the probe is primarily focused on Kelly. The other five individuals in the video do not fall under the jurisdiction of the Defense Department, as they include one CIA operative and four former military personnel who are no longer subject to the UCMJ. However, since Kelly is a retired Navy Commander, he remains under the UCMJ, which is a crucial factor in this ongoing investigation.
Having served 25 years in the Navy and at NASA before retiring in 2011, Kelly is aware that any findings of misconduct could lead to serious repercussions, including a reduction in rank and pension entitlement. The Defense Department's investigation will determine the extent of any disciplinary actions that may be necessary in line with military law.
This evolving situation underscores the complexity of military and political interactions, as well as the importance of maintaining the integrity of the armed forces amidst political discourse.