Defense Secretary Hegseth censured Senator Kelly for urging troops to resist unlawful orders, citing military conduct violations.

Senator Mark Kelly, a Democrat from Arizona and retired Navy captain, received a letter of censure from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for his involvement in a video that encouraged military personnel to defy illegal orders. Citing transgressions of military conduct codes, the Pentagon opened an investigation in November. The censure could result in retirement pay reduction and demotion. Kelly, who gained his rank through space missions and combat, described the action as a politically motivated attempt to stifle dissent and an assault on free speech. The case has spurred national discussion about civilian accountability, military oversight, and the boundaries of former service members' political speech.