Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has initiated proceedings to revoke a Democratic senator’s military rank and benefits following a controversial video that encouraged troops to defy orders. In a formal statement, Hegseth accused Senator Mark Kelly and five other congressional members of producing a “reckless and seditious” video aimed at compromising military order and discipline. As a result, the Department of War is undertaking administrative measures against Kelly due to his alleged seditious behavior and history of misconduct.

The Pentagon chief has issued a censure letter to Kelly, notifying him of the upcoming evaluation of his military rank and pension. The letter is described as a “necessary” action to hold the Arizona Democrat accountable. Kelly, a former Navy captain, had urged active-duty military personnel to reject “illegal orders,” referencing his own military service in a video released in November. He, along with several other Democratic lawmakers, emphasized the legal right to refuse unlawful commands.

Each of the six Democrats involved in the video highlighted their military or intelligence experience, but did not specify any particular illegal orders or directly implicate President Donald Trump or Hegseth in illicit activities. Kelly is required to respond to the censure within 30 days, with a comprehensive review of his military status expected to conclude in 45 days. Hegseth noted that the decision is based on Kelly’s public remarks made between June and December 2025, where he allegedly misrepresented lawful military operations as illegal and advised military personnel to disobey lawful directives.

Since he is retired and still receiving payment from the military, the Arizona senator is subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice, the letter claims. It also cheekily refers to Kelly as ‘Captain (for now).’ Last month, the lawmaker released a statement saying he would not be intimidated by bullies. ‘If this is meant to intimidate me and other members of Congress from doing our jobs and holding this administration accountable, it won’t work. I’ve given too much to this country to be silenced by bullies who care more about their own power than protecting the Constitution,’ Kelly told the Daily Mail.

His actions, and those of the other Democrats in the video, enraged the president. The president issued a statement on Truth Social at the time calling their actions ‘seditious’ and ‘treason,’ while demanding they be executed via hanging. ‘SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH!’ before reposting another them that stated, ‘HANG THEM, GEORGE WASHINGTON WOULD!’ Hegseth noted in November that the other five Democrats will not be investigated because they do not fall under the Pentagon’s jurisdiction.