Republican Senators Urge Caution as Hegseth Targets Kelly’s Pension

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is facing pushback from Republican senators regarding his plans to take administrative action against Senator Mark Kelly, a Democrat from Arizona. Hegseth intends to demote Kelly and reduce his military pension due to a video in which Kelly and other lawmakers encourage military personnel to resist unlawful orders. This announcement has sparked criticism from within the GOP.

Senators Susan Collins of Maine and Thom Tillis of North Carolina have cautioned Hegseth against pursuing punitive measures against Kelly. According to The Hill, Collins expressed that targeting Kelly’s pension is inappropriate, while Tillis described the Pentagon’s censure of Kelly as “ridiculous.” Nevertheless, Tillis criticized Kelly’s video, branding it as “rage bait” but acknowledged Kelly’s status as a U.S. senator who operates within a political landscape.

Hegseth announced on Monday that he is initiating steps to cut Kelly’s pension in half, stating, “As a retired Navy Captain who is still receiving a military pension, Captain Kelly knows he is still accountable to military justice.” He asserted that the Department of War and the American public expect accountability for Kelly’s “seditious statements” and “reckless misconduct.”

The formal actions against Kelly include initiating retirement grade determination proceedings under 10 U.S.C. 1370(f), which would lead to a reduction in his retired pay. Hegseth also indicated that he has issued a formal Letter of Censure regarding Kelly’s conduct, which will be added to his official military personnel file.

In response to Hegseth’s announcement, Kelly took to social media to voice his objections. He labeled Hegseth’s actions as an attempt to intimidate retired servicemembers, asserting, “There is nothing more un-American than that.” Kelly defended his military service, which includes flying 39 combat missions and serving as an astronaut on four space missions.

The video in question, released in November, featured not only Kelly but also several other lawmakers, including Senator Elissa Slotkin of Michigan, a former CIA agent, and Representatives Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire, Chris Deluzio of Pennsylvania, Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania, and Jason Crow of Colorado, all of whom have military backgrounds.

As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how Hegseth’s actions will impact Kelly’s political career and the broader implications for retired military personnel speaking out on political matters.