URGENT UPDATE: Tensions escalate between Senator Mark Kelly and Pete Hegseth following a classified Pentagon briefing that has set off political shockwaves. Just hours ago, the Pentagon confirmed it is escalating its review into a video featuring Kelly, in which he urged troops to disobey “illegal orders” from the Trump administration.
The heated exchange occurred as Hegseth, a retired Navy combat veteran, deflected Kelly’s questions regarding military strikes in the Caribbean by referring back to the ongoing misconduct review. “He actually brought it up in the brief, oddly,” Kelly shared with reporters. “It shows this is very performative for him, even in front of senators.”
Senator Chris Coons confirmed that the topic arose “tangentially” during the briefing. Hegseth revealed that a video documenting a controversial strike in September—which resulted in the deaths of survivors on a suspected Venezuelan drug boat—will only be shared with members of the Senate and House Armed Services Committees. Kelly, who is part of that committee, is set to view the footage on Wednesday, which has yet to be released to the public.
The stakes are high as the Pentagon’s investigation intensifies. Hegseth’s comments about the social media video have drawn warnings of possible court martial proceedings. Kelly remarked, “I noted to Hegseth that these are the same views you had in 2016, specifically about this president.” His accusation highlights concerns over the administration’s transparency regarding foreign military operations, particularly amidst rising fears of a potential regime change in Venezuela under President Nicolás Maduro.
Adding to the controversy, a spokesperson for Senator Dan Sullivan criticized Kelly’s video as “irresponsible,” but stated that it’s not a good use of Pentagon resources to investigate the senator. This clash underscores a growing divide in the political landscape as the Pentagon’s actions and Hegseth’s rhetoric fuel an already volatile situation.
As developments continue to unfold, observers are keenly watching how this confrontation will impact not only Kelly’s political future but also broader military and diplomatic strategies involving Venezuela.
Stay tuned for further updates as this urgent story develops.
