Sen. Mark Kelly fires back after Hegseth threatens his rank and retirement pay

Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., speaks at a news conference in the Capitol on Dec. 1, 2025, in Washington, D.C. Kelly held the event to address what he described as intimidating actions by President Trump and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, following the release of a video in which Kelly and several lawmakers urged U.S. troops to refuse "illegal orders."

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has launched administrative action against Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly, a retired Navy captain and astronaut, which could affect Kelly's rank and retirement pay.

(Image credit: Anna Moneymaker)