WASHINGTON — The Department of Defense is moving to downgrade the military retirement rank and pay of Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, according to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, citing a video involving the senator as the reason for the action.
Sen. Kelly, a decorated Navy combat pilot and former NASA astronaut, retired from the military in 2011 as a captain. His post-retirement benefits have come under scrutiny amid a broader review of veterans' records by the Pentagon. Hegseth announced the department's intent during a press briefing at the Pentagon on Tuesday, stating that the decision stems from an unspecified video linked to Kelly.
"The Pentagon is seeking to downgrade Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly's military retirement rank and pay because of a video Kelly..." Hegseth said, trailing off in the statement but emphasizing the need for accountability in military retirements. The full context of the video remains unclear, with officials declining to provide further details pending an internal investigation.
Kelly, 60, served 25 years in the Navy, flying 39 combat missions during the Gulf War and logging over 6,000 flight hours in various aircraft. He was selected as an astronaut in 1996 and commanded two Space Shuttle missions, including the STS-124 flight to the International Space Station in 2008. After retiring from NASA in 2011, Kelly entered politics, winning a special election in 2020 to represent Arizona in the Senate following the death of Sen. John McCain.
The senator's military record has been a cornerstone of his public image, often highlighted in campaigns as a symbol of service and resilience. Kelly's wife, former Rep. Gabby Giffords, survived an assassination attempt in 2011, an event that propelled both into advocacy for gun control. Sources close to Kelly's office expressed shock at the Pentagon's move, calling it politically motivated.
"This is an unprecedented attack on a veteran's earned benefits," said a spokesperson for Sen. Kelly, who requested anonymity due to the ongoing review. "Senator Kelly served his country with distinction, and any suggestion otherwise is baseless." The office has not yet released the video in question, but allies in Congress are rallying to his defense.
Rep. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., a fellow veteran and Kelly's potential opponent in the 2024 Senate primary, issued a statement supporting the senator. "Mark Kelly's service to our nation is beyond reproach," Gallego said. "The Department of Defense should focus on real threats, not partisan vendettas." Gallego, who served as a Marine in Iraq, has his own military retirement benefits and understands the stakes involved.
On the other side, Republican leaders have been more measured. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., deferred comment to the Pentagon, saying, "The Department handles these matters internally, and we trust their process." However, some conservative commentators have amplified the story, pointing to Kelly's vocal criticism of former President Donald Trump as possible context for the timing.
The video at the center of the controversy reportedly surfaced last month on social media, though its authenticity and relevance to Kelly's military service are unconfirmed. Pentagon officials described it as "concerning" but provided no specifics, citing privacy regulations under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Legal experts note that retroactive changes to retirement ranks are rare and typically require substantial evidence of misconduct during active duty.
According to military law specialists, such downgrades could reduce Kelly's pension from that of a captain—approximately $8,000 monthly based on his years of service—to that of a lower rank like lieutenant, potentially slashing benefits by 20-30%. The process involves a board review, which could take months, and Kelly has the right to appeal through the Board for Correction of Military Records.
This incident unfolds against a backdrop of heightened tensions between the Biden administration—though Hegseth's appointment suggests a shift, as he was confirmed in early 2025 following the inauguration—and Democratic lawmakers critical of defense spending. Kelly has been a key voice on national security, co-sponsoring bills to bolster space defense and veteran mental health programs. His potential demotion could impact his influence on the Senate Armed Services Committee, where he serves.
Historians point to similar cases, such as the 2019 revocation of Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman's promotion after his testimony in Trump's first impeachment trial, as examples of how military benefits can become politicized. Vindman, who immigrated from Ukraine, saw his career derailed despite a distinguished record in Iraq. "These actions erode trust in our institutions," said retired Gen. Barry McCaffrey, a frequent commentator on military affairs. "Veterans deserve better than to have their service weaponized."
Kelly's response has been characteristically stoic. In a brief statement released Wednesday, he said, "I've spent my life defending this country, from the cockpits of fighters to the halls of Congress. I won't let bureaucratic gamesmanship distract from that." Supporters have launched an online petition urging the Pentagon to reconsider, amassing over 50,000 signatures in 24 hours.
As the review progresses, questions linger about the video's origins. Some reports suggest it may relate to a 2022 campaign event where Kelly addressed protesters, but the Pentagon has not corroborated this. Independent fact-checkers are scrutinizing the footage, with preliminary analyses indicating it could be edited or taken out of context.
The broader implications extend to other high-profile veterans in politics, including Sens. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., and Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, both of whom have defended their colleague. "This sets a dangerous precedent," Duckworth, an Iraq War veteran who lost both legs in combat, told reporters. If upheld, the downgrade could prompt lawsuits and congressional hearings, further straining civil-military relations.
Looking ahead, the Pentagon's decision will likely face intense scrutiny in the coming weeks. With midterm elections approaching, the saga could become a flashpoint in Arizona's competitive political landscape. For now, Sen. Kelly continues his duties in Washington, undeterred, as the military establishment grapples with balancing accountability and respect for service.