GOP Tells Hegseth To Back Off

Several Republican senators are urging restraint after the Pentagon launched administrative proceedings involving Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Arizona), warning that revisiting a retired officer’s rank or pension over a political video could set an unsettling precedent.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Monday that the Department of Defense has initiated a formal review that could potentially downgrade Kelly’s retirement rank and affect his pension. The action stems from a video Kelly recorded with other Democratic lawmakers advising service members to refuse orders they believe are unlawful.

While many Republicans strongly criticized the video itself, some warned that targeting Kelly’s military retirement could cross a line — even for those who oppose the message.

Concerns Over Punishing Past Military Service

Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, which oversees Pentagon funding, said it would be inappropriate to penalize Kelly’s prior military service over a political dispute.

“I don’t think that’s appropriate,” Collins said, pointing to Kelly’s decades-long career as a Navy aviator and astronaut.

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina) also expressed concern, calling the Pentagon’s response excessive despite his disapproval of the Democrats’ video.

“That video was clearly political,” Tillis said. “But going after a senator’s retirement status raises free-speech concerns and could discourage open debate.”

Calls to Let the Review Process Play Out

Other Republican lawmakers emphasized the importance of due process and allowing the review system to function as intended.

Sen. Mike Rounds (R-South Dakota), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said Kelly will have an opportunity to respond through a formal adjudication process.

“We should let the process play out,” Rounds said, adding that Kelly is fully capable of addressing the matter.

Several GOP senators declined to comment, citing limited information. Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Nebraska) said she had not yet reviewed the details, while Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Virginia) described the situation as a matter between Kelly and the Defense Department.

Pentagon Defends Its Decision

Hegseth defended the Pentagon’s action in a social media post, arguing that the video undermined military discipline and good order.

He noted that Kelly continues to receive a military pension and remains subject to certain standards tied to his retired status. According to Hegseth, the department has launched a retirement grade determination review and issued a formal letter of censure outlining its concerns.

Kelly Pushes Back

Kelly responded sharply, vowing to contest the proceedings.

In a public statement, he called the action unjustified and politically motivated, saying he would fight the review through all available channels. Kelly argued that the issue raises broader questions about free expression and civilian oversight of the military.

A Broader Debate Emerges

The dispute highlights growing tension between political messaging and military tradition, particularly as lawmakers with prior service remain subject to military-related standards.

For many observers, the case raises difficult questions about accountability, precedent, and where the line should be drawn between political speech and military discipline — issues likely to remain under debate in Washington.