Arizona Sen Kelly sues Hegseth over military pension cuts following video message
The Arizona senator joined five Democratic lawmakers in a video telling troops to 'refuse illegal orders'
By
Louis CasianoFox NewsPublished
January 12, 2026 2:00pm ESTclose
VideoMark Kelly reacts to censure letter, tells MS NOW 'I'm not going away'
Sen. Mark Kelly fired back at Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Monday after the Trump administration cabinet member announced Kelly would receive a censure letter over his illegal orders video.
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Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., a retired Naval officer, is suing the War Department, as well as War Secretary Pete Hegseth, over the agency's actions to demote him and cut his retirement pay for urging military service members to "refuse illegal orders" in a video message with other leading Democrats.
A federal lawsuit filed in Washington D.C., names Hegseth, the Navy, Department of Defense – now renamed the War Department – and Navy Secretary John Phelan, as defendants.
Sen. Mark Kelly is suing over Secretary of War Pete Hegseth's move to reduce his rank and military pension. ( Scott Kowalchyk/CBS via Getty Images; Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images)
Hegseth has sought to reduce Kelly’s retirement rank and military pension amid a feud with the Trump administration, after Kelly joined five other Democratic lawmakers in a November video telling service members that they were obligated to refuse illegal orders.
In a letter censuring Kelly, Hegseth said Kelly's remarks did not promote good order and discipline.
This story is breaking. Please check back for updates.
Louis Casiano is a reporter for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to louis.casiano@fox.com.
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