U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Jan. 5 that the Pentagon will strip Senator Mark Kelly of his retired naval rank, citing "reckless misconduct" after Kelly and other Democrats urged troops to refuse illegal orders. The administrative action removes his retired status but does not recall him to active duty or bring criminal charges. The decision highlights tensions between maintaining military discipline and protecting the political speech of elected officials.
Pentagon Strips Sen. Mark Kelly Of Retired Navy Rank, Stops Short Of Recalling Him For Trial
U.S. Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) holds a press conference at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., U.S., December 1, 2025. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst
Jan 5 (Reuters) — U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Monday that he will strip retired naval officer and sitting Senator Mark Kelly of his retired Navy rank, citing what the Pentagon described as "reckless misconduct." The action follows comments by Kelly and other Democratic lawmakers urging troops to refuse any illegal orders.
This administrative censure removes Kelly's retired rank but does not recall him to active duty or initiate criminal prosecution. The move falls short of an earlier threat by the Trump administration to recall Kelly — a retired Navy captain, former astronaut and decorated veteran — to active duty for possible trial on allegations characterized by some officials as seditious conduct.
Implications and context: The decision underscores the sensitive balance between military discipline and the free speech of elected officials. Pentagon officials framed the action as an administrative matter rather than a criminal proceeding; legal and political observers say the case could prompt appeals or further dispute in Congress and the courts.
The announcement has intensified partisan debate over civilian oversight of the military and how far administrative measures should go when elected officials comment on orders or the chain of command. No criminal charges were announced in conjunction with the rank removal.
Reporting by Phil Stewart; Editing by Chizu Nomiiyama.
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