CRBC News
Culture
Society
Security
Health
Conflict
Science
Technology
Politics
Environment
Lifestyle
Economy

Hegseth Mocked for Taunting Sen. Mark Kelly While Deputy Leads Russia–Ukraine Diplomacy

Pete Hegseth faced online backlash after mocking Sen. Mark Kelly on X for a video about "illegal orders" and for apparent uniform errors. Critics questioned the timing and focus of Hegseth’s rebuke while his deputy, U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, was in Abu Dhabi conducting talks with Russian officials aimed at ending the nearly four‑year war. Sources say Driscoll was chosen for diplomacy in part because some officials have limited confidence in Hegseth. The episode highlights internal tensions and the risks of social media flare‑ups during sensitive negotiations.

03:09 AM, 11/26/2025Politics
Hegseth Mocked for Taunting Sen. Mark Kelly While Deputy Leads Russia–Ukraine Diplomacy

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth came under heavy online criticism after publicly mocking Sen. Mark Kelly on X at a moment when one of Hegseth’s deputies was reportedly leading sensitive talks to end the Russia–Ukraine war.

The exchange began when Kelly — who has faced threats of a court‑martial for appearing in a video urging service members that they need not follow "illegal orders" — posted about the issue. Former President Donald Trump described the video as "SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH."

Hegseth replied with a pointed public critique that targeted both the message and Kelly’s uniform:

"So 'Captain' Kelly, not only did your sedition video intentionally undercut good order & discipline…but you can’t even display your uniform correctly. Your medals are out of order & rows reversed. When/if you are recalled to active duty, it’ll start with a uniform inspection."

Observers noted Hegseth appears to be correct that Kelly’s medals were improperly arranged, but many questioned whether the secretary of defense’s public rebuke was a prudent use of his platform while diplomacy was underway.

Comments on the r/Navy subreddit expressed strong disapproval. "I think I’m going to trust an actual combat vet over a reality TV host," one commenter wrote. Another added, "Hegseth should be embarrassed to be in the same room with [Kelly]."

At the same time, U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll was reported to be in Abu Dhabi meeting with Russian officials for hours as part of ongoing negotiations to try to end the nearly four‑year conflict in Ukraine. For the past two weeks, Driscoll has served as the administration’s point person in talks with Russian representatives.

Multiple sources familiar with internal deliberations say Driscoll was chosen for the diplomatic role in part because some officials expressed limited confidence in Hegseth’s ability to deliver sensitive messages to foreign leaders. "There’s not a lot of trust in Hegseth to deliver these messages to key leaders," one person familiar with the situation said. "There is more trust in Dan to do that right now."

The incident highlights tensions within the defense and diplomatic teams and underscores how social media confrontations can collide with delicate international efforts. Critics argue that public spats involving senior officials risk distracting from urgent diplomatic work.

Similar Articles

Trending