A new political controversy is brewing in the United States, centering around former NASA astronaut and current Senator Mark Kelly. His name is back in the headlines—not for his achievements in space, but due to a high-profile standoff with the Donald Trump administration. It all started with a short video in which Kelly and five other lawmakers with military backgrounds reminded U.S. service members of the importance of refusing unlawful orders. While it seemed like a routine reminder about the military oath, the White House reacted with unexpected severity.
President Trump publicly accused those involved in the video of inciting insurrection, stating that such actions ‘deserve the death penalty.’ While Kelly has not received death threats, the repercussions for his military career could be significant. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the launch of an administrative review that could result in Kelly being demoted and seeing his pension reduced. A formal letter of reprimand has already been sent, and the senator’s personnel file will record the incident.
Administrative Pressure
The US Department of Defense has officially launched a review of Kelly’s military rank in retirement. According to Hegseth’s statement, if the commission finds the senator’s actions incompatible with officer honor, he could be stripped of part of his pension benefits. The letter, signed by the minister, emphasizes that such measures are necessary to maintain discipline and order in the armed forces.
Notably, the documents use the terms “War Department” and “Secretary of War” — this stems from Trump’s decree, which formally changed the names of the agencies, although officially they remain the same. Kelly has already been notified of the start of the process and has a month to prepare a response. A final decision is expected within one and a half months.
Kelly’s response
The senator did not remain silent. In his statement, he emphasized that he would not be intimidated by either the president or the secretary of defense. Kelly recalled his 25 years of service in the Navy, 39 combat missions, and four space flights, noting that he has always defended the Constitution and freedom of speech. According to him, the administration’s attempts to punish him for expressing his opinion are an attack on fundamental civil rights.
Kelly also added that he does not intend to give up and will fight to the end, to show that neither Trump nor Hegseth have the right to decide what Americans can say about their government. His position has resonated with part of society, especially among veterans and supporters of free speech.
Political repercussions
The scandal surrounding Kelly quickly spread beyond military bureaucracy. A heated debate erupted on social media: some see the senator’s actions as an act of civic responsibility, while others view them as a dangerous precedent undermining the authority of the command. The controversy has also reached Congress: Kelly’s fellow party members express their support, while opponents are calling for tough measures.
The question of freedom of speech for military personnel and former officers has once again become a national talking point. Many experts note that such proceedings could set a dangerous precedent, where expressing an opinion may result in administrative reprisals. However, advocates of strict discipline insist that the army cannot afford internal divisions, especially during times of political turbulence.
Personal confrontation
The personal nature of the conflict between Kelly and administration officials is especially evident in this case. The senator openly expresses his contempt for Hegseth, calling him ‘the least competent defense minister in the country’s history.’ In response, White House representatives accuse Kelly of irresponsibility and attempting to destabilize the military.
While Kelly’s military rank is still in question, one thing is clear: this case has already become a symbol in the fight for the right to have an opinion, even for those who once wore a uniform. In the coming weeks, attention to the case will not subside—too many fundamental issues are at stake.
RUSSPAIN reminds that Mark Kelly is a renowned American astronaut who has completed four NASA shuttle missions and is also a former US Navy captain. Since 2020, he has served as a senator from Arizona. His twin brother, Scott Kelly, was also an astronaut and took part in a long-term mission on the ISS. Mark Kelly is known for his active stance on defense, science, and veterans’ rights protection.
