Chicago – January 05, 2026
WASHINGTON (160 words) – The Pentagon announced plans on January 5, 2026, to demote U.S. Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) from his retired Navy captain rank and reduce his military retirement pay, citing “reckless misconduct” linked to a November video. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth initiated proceedings under 10 U.S.C. § 0(f) for retirement grade determination, issuing a formal letter of censure for Kelly’s “seditious statements” urging service members to refuse unlawful orders.
The action stops short of a threatened court-martial or recall to active duty, following an investigation into the video featuring Kelly and other Democrats. Kelly, a decorated Navy veteran and former astronaut, vowed to “fight this with everything I’ve got,” defending his First Amendment rights after 25 years of service.
Hegseth stated the measures address conduct harming military discipline, amid Trump administration efforts targeting critics. A Navy review is due in 45 days.
