Defense Secretary Hegseth censured Senator Kelly for urging troops to resist unlawful orders, sparking political backlash.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a letter of censure to Senator Mark Kelly, a retired Navy captain, over his participation in a video urging military personnel to resist unlawful orders, citing violations of military law. The move, which could lead to demotion, drew condemnation from Kelly and Democratic leaders who called it political retaliation. The Pentagon had been investigating Kelly since late November. Meanwhile, flu cases surged nationwide, the Trump administration expanded visa bond requirements to seven more countries, the EPA proposed a perchlorate standard in drinking water, and former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro appeared in a U.S. court on drug charges.