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Hegseth moves to demote Sen. Mark Kelly and cut pension over video on illegal orders

The Pentagon’s proceedings against Kelly followed his participation in a video urging service members to refuse illegal orders.

Hegseth moves to demote Sen. Mark Kelly and cut pension over video on illegal orders
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This article1 analysis · Oct 12, 2026
CBS News
Jan 5, 2026
tl;dr

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the Pentagon had begun proceedings that could demote Sen. Mark Kelly and reduce his retirement pay over a video urging service members to refuse illegal orders. Kelly said he would fight the action, which includes a formal censure.

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Mark Kelly D · AZ · SEN
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Mark Kelly
D · AZ · SEN

Arizona senator facing Pentagon proceedings over his retired military rank and pay

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Pete Hegseth
R · Secretary of Defense

Defense secretary who directed proceedings against Kelly

Hegseth's version of this story ↗
Elissa Slotkin
D · MI · SEN

Michigan senator and participant in the November video

Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President mentioned in Kelly’s criticism of the proceedings

Pennsylvania representative and participant in the November video

New Hampshire representative and participant in the November video

Pennsylvania representative and participant in the November video

Jason Crow
D · CO-6

Colorado representative and participant in the November video

ALSO MENTIONED  Gabby Giffords, Former representative and Kelly’s wife

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