Hegseth moves to censure Sen Mark Kelly, review his retirement rank and pay over 'seditious video'
EXCLUSIVE: Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., will receive a formal censure letter and that he has directed Secretary of the Navy John Phelan to review...
By Fox News · Fox News
EXCLUSIVE: Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said Sen. Mark Kelly , D-Ariz., will receive a formal censure letter and that he has directed Secretary of the Navy John Phelan to review the retired Navy captain's retirement rank and pay and provide a recommendation in 45 days, sharply escalating an investigation alleging he made "seditious statements" that undermined military operations. "Six weeks ago, Senator Mark Kelly — and five other members of Congress — released a reckless and seditious video that was clearly intended to undermine good order and military discipline," Hegseth said in a statement to Fox News Digital. "As a retired Navy Captain who is still receiving a military pension, Captain Kelly knows he is still accountable to military justice. And the Department of War — and the American people — expect justice." The review of Kelly's rank could result in a downgrade from the rank at which he officially retired. As a result, his retirement pay, which is tied to rank, may also be reduced. A censure letter will also be issued outlining the "totality of Captain Kelly’s reckless misconduct," Hegseth said. PENTAGON LAUNCHES FULL COMMAND INVESTIGATION INTO SEN. MARK KELLY OVER ‘SERIOUS MISCONDUCT’ ALLEGATIONS Such a letter typically calls out figures for wrongdoing and can be used to justify reductions in rank, pay or benefits. It also serves as an official warning that future misconduct could result in harsher consequences. KELLY SHRUGS OFF TRUMP COURT-MARTIAL THREAT, SAYS GROWING UP IN TONY SOPRANO’S HOMETOWN MADE HIM ‘RESILIENT’ HEGSETH RIPS MARK KELLY'S POST ABOUT HIS SERVICE: 'YOU CAN’T EVEN DISPLAY YOUR UNIFORM CORRECTLY' "This Censure is a necessary process step, and will be placed in Captain Kelly’s official and permanent military personnel file," Hegseth said. The department added that Kelly’s status as a sitting U.S. senator "does not exempt him from accountability, and further violations could result in further action." SEN BLACKBURN FIRES BACK AT DEMOCRAT…