UPDATE: Tensions rise as the Pentagon has officially escalated its investigation into Senator Mark Kelly following a heated exchange with Pete Hegseth during a classified briefing. This urgent development marks a significant turning point in the ongoing scrutiny surrounding a controversial video in which Kelly and other former military officials urged troops to disobey what they deemed “illegal orders” from the Trump administration.
The confrontation unfolded earlier today when Kelly questioned Hegseth regarding military strikes in the Caribbean. Hegseth deflected, instead referencing the ongoing misconduct review related to the Pentagon’s investigation into Kelly’s remarks. “He actually brought it up in the brief, oddly,” Kelly stated, highlighting Hegseth’s focus on his own talking points rather than addressing the critical issues at hand.
Senator Chris Coons confirmed that the topic arose “tangentially” during the briefing, which centered on a controversial military operation that took place in September 2025. This operation involved a strike on a suspected Venezuelan drug boat, resulting in the death of survivors. Kelly, who serves on the Senate Armed Services Committee, will have access to the footage of this operation on Wednesday, which has only been shown to top congressional leaders.
Hegseth’s remarks have drawn ire, with Kelly accusing him of being performative, even in front of a group of senators. “I said, ‘Hey, these are the same views you had in 2016,’” Kelly recounted. The ongoing investigation stems from concerns about transparency regarding U.S. foreign policy towards Venezuela, particularly regarding President Nicolás Maduro.
A spokesperson for Senator Dan Sullivan, also a committee member, criticized Kelly’s video as “irresponsible,” yet noted that he does not support the Pentagon’s time spent investigating the senator. The escalating scrutiny comes amid a charged political atmosphere as Democrats warn against complacency following their electoral successes in 2025.
As this situation develops, all eyes will be on the Senate Armed Services Committee meeting on Wednesday, where Kelly will review the disputed footage. The implications of this investigation could reverberate through the political landscape, particularly regarding military operations and accountability.
Stay tuned for further updates as we continue to monitor this breaking story.
