Hegseth Moves to Demote Sen. Kelly’s Military Rank and Retirement Pay

MLN — 11 JAN 2026: U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has formally censured Senator Mark Kelly and initiated administrative proceedings that could reduce the Arizona Democrat’s military retirement rank and cut his pension. The move comes after a video Kelly appeared in last November urged current service members to disobey unlawful orders

Hegseth described Kelly’s remarks as violating military discipline and said the Pentagon has begun “retirement grade determination proceedings” that may result in a lower retired rank and corresponding pay reduction. Kelly, a retired Navy captain and decorated veteran, has 30 days to respond to the process, which is expected to conclude within 45 days.

The action represents a rare effort by the Defense Department to discipline a sitting U.S. senator over post-retirement conduct. Legal experts have questioned the legality of reducing a retired officer’s rank for statements made after active duty, and Kelly has vowed to fight the move, calling it politically motivated.

Kelly’s participation in the video, alongside other Democratic lawmakers, has drawn sharp criticism from Hegseth and the Trump White House, with officials saying such comments undermine good order and discipline. Kelly has defended his message as lawful and aligned with constitutional obligations of service members.