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Former NASA Astronaut Mark Kelly Now Facing Possible Military Discipline After Accusation of Sedition

By  //  November 24, 2025

Kelly’s Retired Military Status Triggers Pentagon Review of Controversial Video

The Pentagon has launched a formal investigation into what officials describe as “serious allegations of misconduct” involving Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), a Navy veteran and retired astronaut, after Kelly appeared in a controversial video urging U.S. service members to “refuse illegal orders.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Pentagon has launched a formal investigation into what officials describe as “serious allegations of misconduct” involving Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), a Navy veteran and retired NASA astronaut, after Kelly appeared in a controversial video urging U.S. service members to “refuse illegal orders.”

Kelly and his five colleagues, who also appeared in the video, did not specify what illegal orders they was referring to.

Legal experts note that Kelly’s retired military status places him in a distinctive category under the UCMJ, potentially leaving him open to administrative sanctions or even court-martial proceedings if investigators determine his remarks were an improper attempt to influence active-duty personnel.

The review — confirmed Monday by the Department of War — follows criticism from President Donald Trump, who accused Kelly and five other Democratic lawmakers of “seditious behavior.”

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth suggested that investigators are focusing on Kelly’s participation in the video, especially his use of his retired Navy rank and military affiliation. Kelly, unlike the other lawmakers who appeared in the clip, remains subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) because he is a retired officer.

“This matter will be handled in compliance with military law, ensuring due process and impartiality,” the War Department said in a statement. “Servicemembers are reminded that they have a legal obligation to obey lawful orders, which are presumed to be lawful.”

Hegseth criticized the group, saying the video risked undermining military discipline.

“The video was despicable, reckless, and false,” Hegseth posted on X. “Encouraging our warriors to ignore the orders of their commanders sows confusion and puts them at risk. Kelly’s conduct brings discredit upon the armed forces and will be addressed appropriately.”

The video, which can be seen above on X, was released last week and featured Kelly alongside Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin and Reps. Jason Crow (Colo.), Maggie Goodlander (N.H.), Chris Deluzio (Pa.), and Chrissy Houlahan (Pa.).

In it, the lawmakers urge military members to honor their oath to the Constitution and “reject illegal orders,” without specifying any examples.

Republicans condemned the message, as President Trump accused the group of treason.

“It’s called SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL,” Trump said on Truth Social.

Kelly’s office has not yet responded to requests for comment.

Before entering politics, Kelly was a Navy aviator and NASA astronaut. He flew 39 missions during the Gulf War before joining NASA in 1996 as part of the agency’s astronaut corps.

Kelly flew four space shuttle missions between 2001 and 2011, serving as pilot of STS-108 aboard Endeavour and later as commander of STS-121, STS-124, and his final mission, STS-134 — the penultimate flight of the Space Shuttle Program.

His twin brother, astronaut Scott Kelly, on his yearlong mission aboard the International Space Station, became the subject of global attention.

Kelly retired from NASA and the Navy in 2012 and was elected to the U.S. Senate from Arizona in 2020.