U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has formally requested a detailed briefing by December 10 regarding an internal review into what the Pentagon has described as “potentially unlawful” comments made by Senator Mark Kelly. The request was outlined in a letter released Tuesday by the Department of Defense and addressed to the Secretary of the Navy, later shared publicly on the platform X.
According to the letter, the Pentagon is examining whether Kelly’s remarks may constitute seditious behavior—an allegation that has generated intense national attention due to the extraordinary circumstances surrounding the case. Kelly, a former NASA astronaut and retired Navy captain who now serves as a Democratic senator from Arizona, has firmly denied any wrongdoing.
The situation escalated on Monday when the Defense Department issued an unprecedented warning that it may consider recalling Kelly to active-duty military status for possible prosecution. Such a move — recalling a sitting U.S. senator to service for disciplinary action — is virtually unheard of in modern American politics, raising questions about legal authority, military jurisdiction, and political impact.
While the Pentagon’s letter did not specify which comments triggered the investigation, officials emphasized that the review should be conducted quickly and thoroughly. The Defense Department’s characterization of the matter as potentially seditious has only intensified public scrutiny, prompting debates about constitutional protections, military obligations of retired service members, and the boundaries of political speech.
As the December 10 deadline approaches, both lawmakers and analysts are watching for further clarification from the Pentagon and responses from Kelly’s office. The outcome of the review could set a significant precedent for how the military addresses statements made by retired officers who later enter political life, especially when those statements collide with national security concerns or military law.


UN General Assembly Demands Russia Return Ukrainian Children Amid Ongoing Conflict
Trump Warns Drug-Trafficking Nations as Colombia’s Petro Issues Strong Rebuttal
Putin Concludes High-Level Talks With Trump Envoy on Ending Ukraine Conflict
Australia Progresses AUKUS Review as U.S. Affirms Strong Support
Senators Warn Trump Against Unauthorized Venezuela Strike, Vow War Powers Push
Drones Spotted Near Zelenskiy’s Flight Path in Ireland Trigger Security Alert
Trump and Lula Discuss Trade, Sanctions, and Security in “Productive” Phone Call
Trump’s Name Appears on U.S. Institute of Peace Ahead of Rwanda–Congo Deal Signing
U.S. Soybean Shipments to China Gain Momentum as Trade Tensions Ease
U.S.-Russia Talks Leave Ukraine Peace Efforts Uncertain
Trump Administration Plans Major Rollback of Biden-Era Fuel Economy Standards
Trump Administration Halts Immigration, Green Card, and Citizenship Processing for 19 Countries
Taiwan Signals Openness to Renew Ties with Honduras as Election Unfolds
Michael Dell Pledges $6.25 Billion to Boost Children’s Investment Accounts Under Trump Initiative
Israel Receives Body of Deceased Hostage as Rafah Crossing Reopening Hinges on Final Returns
California Launches Portal for Reporting Alleged Misconduct by Federal Immigration Agents
Federal Judge Blocks Trump Administration’s Medicaid Funding Restrictions Targeting Planned Parenthood 



