2:19Senator Mark Kelly delivers remarks at a press briefing advocating for the disclosure of the Epstein records, on Capitol Hill in Washington, November 18, 2025. Annabelle Gordon/Reuters
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has directed the Navy secretary to scrutinize Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly's remarks in a recording to troops for "possible illegal behavior," according to a memorandum shared on social platforms by the Department of Defense.
Within the memo, Hegseth mandates that the Navy examination be finalized and briefed to him "at the latest by December 10."
Earlier in the week, the Defense Department indicated it would be commencing a "detailed analysis" of Kelly concerning the video.
On Tuesday, Hegseth persisted in criticizing the Arizona senator, alleging that he improperly adorned his military honors and characterizing the footage aimed at service members, featuring Kelly and fellow Democratic legislators, as a "politically-driven influencing scheme."
"So 'Captain' Kelly, not only did your rebellious video purposely undermine proper order & conduct…but you are also unable to correctly display your attire," Hegseth conveyed in a message disseminated on X on Tuesday.
Hegseth's message acted as a reaction to Kelly's declaration on Monday regarding the Pentagon's purported evaluation, incorporating a visual of his military medals.
Sen Mark Kelly speaks at a press conference calling for the release of the Epstein files, on Capitol Hill in Washington, November 18, 2025.Annabelle Gordon/Reuters
"Your awards are disorganized & lines switched. When/if you are summoned back to duty, it'll commence with a uniform check," Hegseth appended.
Alongside decrying Kelly's uniform, he branded the visual showcasing the Arizona senator and other Democratic lawmakers — suggesting military personnel could decline unlawful commands — as a "politically-steered influencing campaign."
"The armed forces already possess specific protocols for managing illegitimate orders. It does not require political figures introducing uncertainty into an already explicit chain of authority," Hegseth stated on Tuesday.
Hegseth seemingly refers to the arrangement of Kelly's accolades for foreign combat assignments in the visual he distributed on social media. In the image, these distinctions surface on the subsequent row of the ribbon display instead of toward the finish of the array, as stipulated under the guidelines for the positioning of all attained honors and decorations.
Hegseth failed to acknowledge that Kelly has garnered valor devices on numerous awards showcased in the image, signifying that they were bestowed for bravery or heroism during engagement.
The Defense secretary's utterances ridiculing the former U.S. Navy commander materialize after the Pentagon proclaimed it had "obtained significant claims of misbehavior" against Kelly — days following President Donald Trump accusing the Arizona senator and additional Democratic lawmakers of "insurrectionist conduct" for the visual.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth looks on during a meeting with President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, November 18, 2025.Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters
"Aligned with the Uniform Code of Military Justice, 10 U.S.C. § 688, and other governing protocols, a comprehensive examination of these accusations has been set in motion to decide upcoming actions, which might encompass reactivation for court-martial procedures or bureaucratic steps. This issue will be managed in compliance with military law, securing proper protocol and impartiality. Additional authorized remarks will be restricted, to safeguard the integrity of the proceedings," as stated in an announcement from the Department of Defense on Monday.
"The Department of War cautions all persons that military retirees stay susceptible to the UCMJ for relevant infractions, and federal statutes such as 18 U.S.C. § 2387 forbid measures planned to disrupt the dedication, morale, or appropriate arrangement and conduct of the armed forces. Any violations will be addressed through suitable judicial channels," the Pentagon communicated.
Kelly addressed the Pentagon's declaration on Monday, stating that this was his inaugural awareness of the examination.
"At the age of 22, I accepted a commission as an Ensign within the United States Navy, pledging an affirmation to the Constitution. I honored this affirmation through aviation education, multiple assignments on the USS Midway, 39 battle assignments in Operation Desert Storm, test pilot program, four space shuttle missions at NASA, and perpetually since my retirement — which followed my wife Gabby's shooting in the head while assisting her constituents," Kelly composed.
"Secretary Hegseth's tweet constitutes my first exposure to this. I also noticed the President's messages indicating that I should be apprehended, hanged, and put to death," Kelly proceeded.
"If the intention is to deter me and fellow Congressional representatives from performing our duties and holding this government responsible, it will not succeed. I've dedicated excessive resources to this nation to be silenced by intimidators who prioritize their own authority over safeguarding the Constitution," Kelly concluded.
Sen. Mark Kelly speaks during the Harris-Walz Campaign Election Eve rally and concert in Phoenix, Arizona, November 4, 2024.Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images
Hegseth on Monday referred to the six Democrats featured in the visual as the "Rebellious Six," while elucidating why the inquiry is exclusively centered on Kelly.
"Five of the six individuals involved in that visual do not fall under [Defense Department] jurisdiction (one is CIA and four are former military but not 'retired', so they are no longer subject to UCMJ). Nevertheless, Mark Kelly (retired Navy Commander) remains subject to UCMJ — and he is aware of that," Hegseth communicated on X.
Every military officer who has retired after two decades of duty maintains eligibility for reinstatement to duty, and should they be found to have partaken in misconduct, they are exposed to military legal action — possibly a court-martial.
Kelly completed 25 years within the Navy and at NASA, retiring in 2011.
The code highlighted by the Defense Department could subject Kelly to a "bureaucratic measure," potentially encompassing a reduction in rank — and a decrease in his pension entitlement.
ABC News' Luis Martinez and Alexandra Hutzler contributed to this report.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com
