British News Agency

U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth stated that the department took action on the grounds that Senator Mark Kelly violated his responsibilities to military justice.

Providing information on the process concerning Kelly’s retirement rights, Hegseth said: “The Department of War is initiating administrative action against retired U.S. Navy Captain Mark E. Kelly. Pursuant to Title 10 of the U.S. Code, the department has begun the process of determining retirement grade, and any reduction in retirement grade will result in a corresponding reduction in retirement pay.”

Highlighting the basis of the allegations and Kelly’s legal status, Hegseth noted: “These actions are based on public statements made by Captain Kelly between June and December 2025, in which he unlawfully characterized lawful military operations as illegal and advised members of the Armed Forces to refuse lawful orders.”

Hegseth concluded: “This conduct is inherently insubordinate and violates Articles 133 and 134 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, to which Captain Kelly remains subject as a retired officer who continues to receive pay.”