Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth made the following announcement on X Monday, January 5th 2026; “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. As a retired Navy Captain who is still receiving a military pension, Captain Kelly knows he is still accountable to military justice. And the Department of War — and the American people — expect justice.
Therefore, in response to Senator Mark Kelly’s seditious statements — and his pattern of reckless misconduct — the Department of War is taking administrative action against Captain Mark E. Kelly, USN (Ret). The department has initiated retirement grade determination proceedings under 10 U.S.C. § 1370(f), with reduction in his retired grade resulting in a corresponding reduction in retired pay.
To ensure this action, the Secretary of War has also issued a formal Letter of Censure, which outlines the totality of Captain (for now) Kelly’s reckless misconduct. This Censure is a necessary process step, and will be placed in Captain Kelly’s official and permanent military personnel file.
Captain Kelly has been provided notice of the basis for this action and has thirty days to submit a response. The retirement grade determination process directed by Secretary Hegseth will be completed within forty five days.
Captain Kelly’s status as a sitting United States Senator does not exempt him from accountability, and further violations could result in further action.
These actions are based on Captain Kelly’s public statements from June through December 2025 in which he characterized lawful military operations as illegal and counseled members of the Armed Forces to refuse lawful orders. This conduct was seditious in nature and violated Articles 133 and 134 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, to which Captain Kelly remains subject as a retired officer receiving pay.”
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. As a retired Navy Captain who is still receiving a military pension, Captain Kelly knows he…
— Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) January 5, 2026
🚨 BREAKING: Traitorous Sen. Mark Kelly was just CENSURED by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth for advocating open rebellion in the Armed Forces
There will now be a reduction in his retired grade and retired pay – "FOR NOW."
FAFO, MARK! Now, COURT-MARTIAL him next!🔥
"This conduct… pic.twitter.com/6EqAl1JfgS
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) January 5, 2026
It’s January 5th, 2026.
Maduro is no longer in power.
Tim Walz dropped out of the governor’s race.
For the first time in history, there are more registered Republicans than democrats in North Carolina.
— ThePersistence (@ScottPresler) January 5, 2026
Hi, Private Kelly – 😂 https://t.co/KrQk8N7UWI
— Catturd ™ (@catturd2) January 5, 2026
LIVE: @SecWar Pete Hegseth presides over an enlistment ceremony at Newport News Recruiting Station, Va. https://t.co/iPgo1ublUy
— Department of War 🇺🇸 (@DeptofWar) January 5, 2026
