Washington moves to censure Sen. Kelly over video
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60-Second Summary
Washington — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Monday issued a formal letter of censure to Sen. Mark Kelly and initiated retirement-grade proceedings that could lower his retired Navy rank and reduce his retirement pay. The action follows a Nov. 18 video in which Kelly and five other veteran lawmakers urged troops to refuse unlawful orders. The Pentagon opened a review in December, and President Trump publicly criticized the participants. Kelly has received notice and a deadline to respond under cited statutory procedures. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.
About this summary
This 60-second summary was prepared by the JQJO editorial team after reviewing 11 original reports from Daily News, HuffPost, WHAS 11 Louisville, PBS.org, WISH-TV | Indianapolis News | Indiana Weather | Indiana Traffic, Bangor Daily News, KTAR News, 2 News Nevada, CBS News, Stars and Stripes and FOX 5 DC.
Timeline of Events
- Nov. 18, 2025: Six lawmakers release a video urging service members to refuse unlawful orders.
- Nov. ~20, 2025: President Trump publicly condemns the video participants and uses strong rhetoric.
- December, 2025: The Pentagon opens a review into the lawmakers' statements and conduct.
- Early January, 2026: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issues a formal letter of censure to Sen. Mark Kelly.
- Early January, 2026: The Pentagon initiates retirement-grade determination proceedings that could reduce Kelly's retired rank and pay; Kelly receives notice and a response deadline.
- Articles Published:
- 11
- Right Leaning:
- 1
- Left Leaning:
- 1
- Neutral:
- 9
- Distribution:
- Left 9%, Center 82%, Right 9%
The Department of Defense and officials advocating enforcement of military discipline gained a formal administrative action demonstrating use of retirement-grade procedures to address alleged misconduct.
Sen. Mark Kelly faces potential demotion, reduction in retirement pay, and reputational consequences following the censure and initiation of retirement-grade determination proceedings.
After reading and researching latest news, the Pentagon initiated retirement-grade proceedings under 10 U.S.C. §1370(f) and issued a formal censure to Sen. Mark Kelly for his participation in a Nov. 18 video urging refusal of unlawful orders; Kelly has been given notice and a deadline to respond.
Coverage of Story:
From Center
Washington moves to censure Sen. Kelly over video
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