this post was submitted on 06 Jan 2026
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Arizona Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly is pledging to fight back after Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced he's taking administrative action against Kelly.

In response, Kelly issued a statement saying that he had earned his rank in combat and as an astronaut and that Hegseth and the Trump administration were trying to stifle free speech and dissent among retired military officers.

"My rank and retirement are things that I earned through my service and sacrifice for this country. I got shot at. I missed holidays and birthdays. I commanded a space shuttle mission while my wife Gabby recovered from a gunshot wound to the head — all while proudly wearing the American flag on my shoulder," Kelly said.

"Pete Hegseth wants to send the message to every single retired servicemember that if they say something he or Donald Trump doesn't like, they will come after them the same way. It's outrageous and it is wrong. There is nothing more un-American than that," Kelly added.

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[–] YoiksAndAway@piefed.zip 138 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago) (1 children)

So Hegseth, while serving as SecDef (or SecWar, or whatever in the hell he's cosplaying) is violating first amendment rights of a US senator, veteran fighter pilot, and (get this) FUCKING ASTRONAUT for stating a part of the UCMJ that every military member is taught in basic training?

IMHO, as soon as he's done laughing, he should make copies for the indictment then frame the original to hang on his wall.

[–] BarneyPiccolo@lemmy.today 45 points 2 days ago

for stating a part of the UCMJ that every military member is taught in basic training?

Hegseth himself was videoed saying the exact same thing on a stage in front of an audience. If Kelly is guilty of something, then so is Hegseth.

[–] switcheroo@lemmy.world 153 points 2 days ago (2 children)

They want to silence the troops so that when they order them to open fire on us, the citizens, they'll be too afraid not to. Good little Nazi troops who'll do whatever horrid things Dear Leader Shitznpants says...

[–] Diplomjodler3@lemmy.world 75 points 2 days ago (3 children)

People here like to imagine that the military is going to resist the fascist takeover. Well, so far they haven't balked at carrying out any of the blatantly illegal orders. If they're going to resist, about now would be the time. Not holding my breath, though.

[–] Kirp123@lemmy.world 37 points 2 days ago (1 children)

Yeah. I haven't heard anyone getting imprisoned for refusing to follow orders, they're just following them dutifully. Also when the shutdown happened some billionaire stepped in and paid only the military, that should have had people rioting. The message that sent is not too pretty, the military is bought out.

[–] hitmyspot@aussie.zone 9 points 2 days ago (1 children)

Didn't someone quit from the navy who was down in Venezuela before? About 2 months before the illegal attacks on boats with no evidence and civilians on board?

I have noted a rise in those advising what is legal and not and an equal rise in those who raise questions being forcefully silenced.

[–] moncharleskey@lemmy.zip 8 points 2 days ago

I wouldn't put it pass the media to bury instances of soldiers bucking the fascists.

[–] village604@adultswim.fan 7 points 2 days ago

They are, but not in the way you're expecting. It wasn't a good idea for the administration to force out everyone with decades of military experience.

There's a growing resistance movement among veterans and even current military members, but they're being understandably quiet about it.

[–] AlecSadler@lemmy.dbzer0.com 11 points 2 days ago

I've met many people in the military, they all fawn over Trump. I think maybe 1/10 doesn't based on my anecdotal experience. So this whole military resist wetdream is not happening.

[–] rayyy@lemmy.world 1 points 2 days ago

Shitznpants

Commander Shitznpants.

[–] Lushed_Lungfish@lemmy.ca 51 points 2 days ago

I would follow Mark Kelly into battle.

[–] SeeMarkFly@lemmy.ml 60 points 2 days ago (1 children)

There is nothing more un-American than Donald Trump.

FIFY

[–] RagingRobot@lemmy.world 11 points 2 days ago (3 children)

Weren't his parents immigrants? He's only American because he was born here and that doesn't count anymore right

[–] BarneyPiccolo@lemmy.today 15 points 2 days ago

Two of his wives are, including the current one, and 4 of his 5 children are anchor babies, and should all be deported, according to MAGA rules.

[–] PattyMcB@lemmy.world 5 points 2 days ago

His grandfather was a draft dodger and a TWO-time immigrant.

[–] SeeMarkFly@lemmy.ml 2 points 2 days ago

Surely he can't ignore his own rules?

[–] atzanteol@sh.itjust.works 42 points 2 days ago (2 children)

Hegseth also announced he issued a formal censure letter that will be placed in Kelly's official military file.

Badge of honor right there.

[–] sin_free_for_00_days@sopuli.xyz 11 points 2 days ago

He should put the letter on his website as an endorsement.

[–] Manjushri@piefed.social 4 points 2 days ago

I would far prefer a censure letter from this administration than a Medal of Honor.

[–] SnarkoPolo@lemmy.world 9 points 2 days ago

Unfortunately, when the first purge comes, Senator Kelly will be among the first.

[–] Embargo@lemmy.zip 22 points 2 days ago (1 children)

It seems pretty American from where I'm standing.

[–] SeeMarkFly@lemmy.ml 3 points 2 days ago

It seems petty American...

FIFY

[–] Jerb322@lemmy.world 12 points 2 days ago
[–] minorkeys@lemmy.world 8 points 2 days ago

It's gonna take more than a speech.

[–] obvs@lemmy.world 5 points 2 days ago (1 children)

The guy running the military is a huge piece of Hegseth.

[–] turdburglar@piefed.social 2 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago)

there’s a little santorum spread on top as too.