Secretary of War Pete Hegseth is swinging a heavy hammer at retired Navy Captain and current U.S. Senator Mark Kelly over statements deemed downright dangerous to military discipline.

Between June and December 2025, Kelly made public remarks that the Department of War has branded as seditious, prompting Hegseth to launch administrative actions that could slash Kelly’s retired grade and pay.

For veterans and active-duty service members, this is no small matter; a reduction in Kelly’s grade could mean a significant financial hit to his military pension, a tangible loss that could set a precedent for how retired officers are held accountable under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).

Hegseth Cracks Down on Alleged Sedition

Let’s rewind to June through December 2025, when Kelly, alongside other Democratic lawmakers, stirred the pot with statements that allegedly urged service members to defy lawful orders.

The controversy peaked with a video featuring Kelly, Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), and four others, dubbed the “Seditious Six,” invoking military law to resist what they called “illegal orders”—without pointing to specifics.

The Department of War didn’t sit idly by; an internal review kicked off in November 2025, escalating to a formal Command Investigation by December.

Administrative Actions Hit Kelly Hard

Fast forward to now, and Hegseth has slapped Kelly with a formal Letter of Censure, a permanent black mark on his military record, calling out what he describes as “reckless misconduct.”

“Six weeks ago, Senator Mark Kelly — and five other members of Congress — released a reckless and seditious video that was clearly intended to undermine good order and military discipline,” Hegseth declared.

Under 10 U.S.C. § 1370(f), retirement grade determination proceedings are underway, which could demote Kelly’s rank and shrink his pension check within a tight 45-day window.

Kelly’s Response and Legal Pushback

Kelly, who remains subject to the UCMJ as a retiree on military pay, has 30 days to respond to these actions, which also carry the looming threat of a court-martial or other penalties.

“It should send a shiver down the spine of every patriotic American that the president and secretary of defense would abuse their power to come after me or anyone this way,” Kelly fired back. With all due respect, Senator, accountability isn’t abuse—it’s the bedrock of military order.

His legal team isn’t buying the charges either, with attorney Paul J. Fishman calling the proceedings “unconstitutional” and an “extraordinary abuse of power.”

Broader Implications for Military Discipline

Here’s the rub: Kelly is the only one of the so-called “Seditious Six” under UCMJ jurisdiction due to his retired status, making him the prime target of this investigation.

While progressives might cry foul over this as political targeting, conservatives see it as a necessary stand against undermining the chain of command—especially when lawful orders are painted as optional by those who should know better.

With the Department of War standing firm, the outcome of this clash could redefine how far retired officers can push the envelope before facing real consequences, and it’s a fight worth watching for anyone who values military integrity over political posturing.