Retired Navy captain and senator Mark Kelly at centre of Pentagon backlash over viral video

A public clash between Senator Mark Kelly and the Pentagon has spilled into wider online debate after a viral video featuring the former Navy captain triggered disciplinary action and strong reactions on social media.

The Pentagon confirmed it is moving to cut the military retirement pay of Mark Kelly, with Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth describing the video as “seditious”. The decision has placed renewed attention on how viral political messaging can collide with military rules and public perception.

BREAKING: Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announces the Department of War is taking administrative action against Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ), including issuing a formal Letter of Censure and initiating retirement grade determination proceedings under 10 U.S.C. § 1370(f) that could… pic.twitter.com/EHeLEHWCJr

— RedWave Press (@RedWave_Press) January 5, 2026

The video, which circulated widely on X, featured Kelly alongside several Democratic members of Congress telling US service members that they have the right to refuse illegal orders. Supporters praised the message as a defence of constitutional rights, while critics accused the lawmakers of undermining military discipline.

Hegseth said the Defence Department has begun proceedings to reduce Kelly’s rank in retirement, a move that would result in a reduction in his pension. He also issued a formal letter of censure, accusing Kelly of reckless misconduct.

“Captain Kelly’s public statements were intended to erode good order and discipline,” Hegseth said in a statement shared online, adding that Kelly remains subject to military justice as a retired officer receiving pay.

Kelly responded forcefully on X, vowing to fight the action and calling Hegseth “the most unqualified Secretary of Defense in our country’s history”. He framed the move as political retaliation and pointed to his decades of military and public service.

Over twenty-five years in the U.S. Navy, thirty-nine combat missions, and four missions to space, I risked my life for this country and to defend our Constitution – including the First Amendment rights of every American to speak out. I never expected that the President of the…

— Senator Mark Kelly (@SenMarkKelly) January 5, 2026

The dispute has continued to gain traction online, with users debating free speech, accountability and whether retired military figures should face discipline for public political statements.

Five other lawmakers appeared in the video alongside Kelly, including Senator Elissa Slotkin and Representatives Jason Crow, Maggie Goodlander, Chris Deluzio and Chrissy Houlahan. While several are military veterans, they are not subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice because they separated from service rather than retiring.

The Pentagon first announced an investigation into Kelly’s role in the video in November. While more severe measures were previously suggested, including recall to active duty, the current action appears limited to disciplinary penalties tied to his retired status.

For now, the episode highlights how viral political content can quickly spill beyond policy debates into broader cultural flashpoints, blurring the line between governance, media spectacle and online backlash.

Aasiya Niaz