In a dramatic turn of events, Senator Mark Kelly, a Democrat from Arizona, has launched a federal lawsuit against the Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth. This move comes in response to what the Trump administration has labeled “seditious” actions. Kelly is challenging Hegseth’s efforts to revoke his military rank and benefits. Reflecting on his service, Kelly stated, “From my first days at Naval Air Station Pensacola, to facing enemy fire over Iraq and Kuwait, and piloting Space Shuttle Endeavour on its final mission, I have dedicated my all to this nation, earning my rank as a Captain in the United States Navy,” a sentiment he shared in a statement on Monday.

He emphasized the importance of defending the rights of Americans who have fought for liberty. Just last week, Hegseth issued a formal reprimand to Kelly, notifying him of a forthcoming review of his military status and pension—a measure deemed “necessary” to discipline the senator. This controversy stems from a November incident where Kelly, alongside five other Democratic legislators, appeared in a video urging U.S. service members to resist “illegal” commands from the Trump administration, a stance that provoked Hegseth’s disapproval.

Due to his retirement status and ongoing military compensation, Kelly remains subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice, as Hegseth’s letter outlined. The communication also mockingly referred to him as “Captain (for now).” In their video, Kelly and his Democratic colleagues underscored their right to refuse illegal orders, drawing on their extensive military and intelligence experience. However, they stopped short of detailing any specific illegal directives or directly implicating Trump or Hegseth in unlawful conduct.

Trump and Hegseth fumed at the time that the liberals’ demands qualified as seditious behavior. The president even suggested sedition can be punished by hanging. ‘SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!’ before reposting another them that stated, ‘HANG THEM, GEORGE WASHINGTON WOULD!’ ‘Pete Hegseth wants our longest-serving military veterans to live with the constant threat that they could be deprived of their rank and pay years or even decades after they leave the military just because he or another Secretary of Defense doesn’t like what they’ve said,’ Kelly said Monday.

‘That’s not the way things work in the United States of America, and I won’t stand for it.’ Hegseth, Secretary of the Navy John Phelan, the Department of Defense and the Department of the Navy are listed as defendants, according to the suit. Hegseth noted in November that the other five Democrats will not be investigated because they do not fall under the Pentagon’s jurisdiction.

The others include Senator Elissa Slotkin of Michigan, an ex-CIA analyst who served multiple tours in Iraq; Representative Jason Crow of Colorado, a former Army Ranger; Representative Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire, a former Navy reservist; and Representative Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania, a former Air Force officer. Kelly, who was vetted to be Kamala Harris’ running mate in 2024, said last week he’s thought about running for president in 2028. ‘Of course,’ he told podcaster Aaron Parnas. ‘I think every senator thinks about it at some point. It would be irresponsible not to think about it.’