By Trendsetter Tribune 
Jan. 5 — U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Monday that he will formally demote retired Navy captain and sitting U.S. Senator Mark Kelly, citing what he called “reckless misconduct” tied to public statements urging military members not to follow unlawful commands.
The rare action amounts to an official censure of the Arizona Democrat, who is a former Navy combat pilot, NASA astronaut, and decorated veteran.
Hegseth’s move, while extraordinary, falls short of the Trump administration’s earlier threat to recall Kelly to active duty in order to court-martial him. Administration officials had suggested such a recall could be justified by what they described as “seditious” remarks made by Kelly and other Democratic lawmakers.
Instead, the Pentagon opted for a demotion on the retired list — a symbolic but notable punishment that lowers Kelly’s retired rank and pay classification while avoiding a broader legal fight.
Kelly and several Democrats had warned troops that they are obligated under military law to disobey unlawful orders — a statement consistent with long-standing military doctrine but one that angered administration officials amid heightened political tensions.
As of now, Kelly remains in the U.S. Senate, and the demotion does not affect his elected office. The Pentagon has not indicated whether further action is being considered.