Hegseth rips Mark Kelly’s post about his service: ‘You can’t even display your uniform correctly’
In a recent exchange that has stirred controversy, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth publicly criticized Senator Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., over a post Kelly made regarding his military service. Hegseth’s remarks came on the heels of a formal review initiated by the Department of War into allegations of misconduct against Kelly related to a video in which he urged military personnel to “refuse illegal orders.” In his response on X (formerly Twitter), Hegseth pointed out what he deemed inaccuracies in Kelly’s uniform display, stating, “you can’t even display your uniform correctly,” and noted that Kelly’s medals were improperly arranged. This interaction highlights a growing tension between military officials and lawmakers, particularly regarding the responsibilities and conduct of service members.
Senator Kelly’s original post celebrated his military career, detailing his journey from commissioning as an Ensign in the Navy to his significant contributions as a combat pilot and NASA astronaut. He recounted harrowing experiences, including flying through anti-aircraft fire and participating in the recovery mission for the Columbia shuttle disaster. Kelly’s dedication to his service is underscored by his personal sacrifices, including the trauma of his wife Gabby Giffords being shot during her tenure as a congresswoman. In light of Hegseth’s comments, Kelly defended his record and asserted that attempts to intimidate him or other lawmakers would not deter him from holding the administration accountable. He emphasized his commitment to the Constitution and expressed that his extensive service to the country would not be silenced by what he described as “bullies.”
The Pentagon’s involvement in this matter raises further questions about the boundaries of military authority and the accountability of elected officials. The Department of War has indicated that Kelly could potentially face court-martial proceedings or other administrative actions under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. They assured that any actions taken would adhere to military law and ensure due process. This situation exemplifies the complex interplay between military conduct and political discourse, especially as the nation grapples with issues of loyalty, accountability, and the responsibilities of those who serve in both military and legislative capacities. As the review unfolds, it will be crucial to observe how these tensions impact not only Kelly’s political career but also the broader dialogue surrounding military ethics and the role of service members in political activism.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRwBMI_iJbU
Secretary of War
Pete Hegseth
criticized a post Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., made about his service, telling the lawmaker, “you can’t even display your uniform correctly.”
Hegseth’s comments come a day after the Department of War announced a formal review into allegations of misconduct against Kelly
over a video
calling on service members to “refuse illegal orders.”
“So ‘Captain’ Kelly, not only did your sedition video intentionally undercut good order & discipline…but you can’t even display your uniform correctly,” Hegseth replied to a post Kelly made on X.
“Your medals are out of order & rows reversed. When/if you are recalled to active duty, it’ll start with a uniform inspection,” Hegseth added.
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Kelly on Monday posted a picture of a uniform on X, writing, “When I was 22 years old, I commissioned as an Ensign in the
United States Navy
and swore an oath to the Constitution. ”
“I upheld that oath through flight school, multiple deployments on the USS Midway, 39 combat missions in Operation Desert Storm, test pilot school, four space shuttle flights at NASA, and every day since I retired — which I did after my wife Gabby was shot in the head while serving her constituents,” he added. “In combat, I had a missile blow up next to my jet and flew through anti-aircraft fire to drop bombs on enemy targets.”
“At NASA, I launched on a rocket, commanded the space shuttle, and was part of the recovery mission that brought home the bodies of my astronaut classmates who died on Columbia. I did all of this in service to this country that I love and has given me so much,” Kelly also said.
Kelly’s office did not immediately respond Tuesday to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.
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The Pentagon
has said it might call Kelly back to active duty to face court-martial proceedings or other administrative actions under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
“This matter will be handled in compliance with military law, ensuring due process and impartiality,” the department said, adding that further comments will be limited to protect the integrity of the proceedings.
Kelly also said Monday, “If this is meant to intimidate me and other members of Congress from doing our jobs and holding this administration accountable, it won’t work. I’ve given too much to this country to be silenced by bullies who care more about their own power than protecting the Constitution.”
