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Pete Hegseth censures Mark Kelly over call to refuse illegal orders

Hegseth says Kelly’s video was reckless and seditious and has sent a letter ahead of possible disciplinary proceedings.

Pete Hegseth censures Mark Kelly over call to refuse illegal orders
Image · New York Daily News

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Outlet credibilityNew York Daily News76/100 HIGH
This article1 analysis · Oct 12, 2026
tl;dr

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth sent Sen. Mark Kelly a censure letter over a video urging troops to refuse illegal orders. Kelly says he will fight the effort, which could lead to a reduction in his retired military rank and pension.

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12 VOTES
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Pete Hegseth R · Secretary of Defense

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  • Readers of left-leaning coverage: 50% good look
  • Readers of right-leaning coverage: not enough votes yet
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Pete Hegseth
R · Secretary of Defense

Defense secretary pursuing a censure process against Kelly

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Mark Kelly
D · AZ · SEN

Senator facing a Defense Department censure process over a video to service members

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

Senator who first posted the video urging troops to refuse illegal orders

Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President who accused the lawmakers of sedition after the video’s release

Chuck Schumer
D · NY · SEN

Senate minority leader criticizing Hegseth’s action

Part of a bigger story

15 OUTLETS
Hegseth Censures Mark Kelly and Orders Review of Retirement Rank and Pay

Hegseth censured Sen. Mark Kelly and initiated proceedings that could reduce his retired rank or pay after a video about refusing unlawful orders. Left-leaning outlets cast the action as retaliation against Kelly or an attack on his speech. Center outlets mostly present Hegseth’s rationale and Kelly’s response, with some also questioning the process’s legality. Right-leaning outlets emphasize Hegseth’s stated case for disciplining Kelly over the video.

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