Democratic Senator Mark Kelly launched a stinging public rebuke of US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, branding him 'totally unqualified' during a televised appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live. The confrontation came after Hegseth initiated a military investigation against Kelly for his role in a video encouraging service members to uphold the Constitution.
The Televised Confrontation
On Tuesday evening, the retired US Navy captain used his platform on the popular late-night show to respond directly to the Defence Department's probe. Kelly accused Hegseth, who recently began using the title 'Secretary of War' despite no congressional approval, of acting as the president's enforcer.
'He just wants to please the president and this is what he could do this week, he could go after me under the uniform, the code of military justice,' Kelly stated during the broadcast. The investigation, announced on Monday, centres on whether Kelly violated military law prohibiting retired personnel from distributing materials that might foster insubordination among active troops.
Constitutional Standoff and Political Fallout
The controversy stems from a video created by Kelly and five other Democratic lawmakers that urged military personnel to disregard any orders contradicting the US Constitution. Although the message didn't specify particular orders, its release coincided with the Trump administration conducting legally questionable lethal strikes on boats.
President Donald Trump responded fiercely on Truth Social, labelling the lawmakers 'seditious' and suggesting their actions were 'punishable by death.' Trump had previously warned that Democrats featured in the video would face consequences, with Kelly discovering days later he'd become the investigation's target.
Kelly interpreted these developments as intimidation tactics, telling Kimmel, 'It's how democracies die. It is right out of the playbook – the playbook of authoritarianism. That's what they try to do, they try to suppress speech.' The Arizona senator remained defiant, adding 'I'm not backing down.'
Personal History and Resolve
The senator also referenced his family's direct experience with political violence, reminding viewers that his wife, former Congresswoman Gabrielle 'Gabby' Giffords, survived an assassination attempt in 2011 that left her seriously wounded. Kelly had retired from active duty as a Navy captain and from NASA that same year to care for her.
When questioned about potential concerns regarding the administration's threats, Kelly displayed remarkable composure, stating 'I've been through a lot more challenging things than this.' His personal history adds profound context to his current political stance and resilience in facing governmental pressure.
