UPDATE: Tensions escalate in Washington as the Pentagon confirms it is officially investigating Senator Mark Kelly following a heated exchange with Pete Hegseth during a classified briefing. The review stems from a controversial video where Kelly, alongside other former military officials, urged troops to disregard “illegal orders” from the Trump administration.
Just moments ago, Kelly recounted how Hegseth deflected questions regarding military strikes in the Caribbean, instead focusing on the ongoing investigation into the video. “He actually brought it up in the brief, oddly,” Kelly told reporters. “This shows this is very performative for him, even in front of a group of senators.”
The clash occurred during a critical briefing where Senator Chris Coons confirmed the topic arose “tangentially.” Hegseth also revealed that footage of a September strike targeting survivors of a suspected Venezuelan drug boat attack will only be accessible to members of the Senate and House Armed Services Committees. Kelly, a member of that panel, is set to view the footage on Wednesday, which has only been presented to top congressional leaders.
The investigation into Kelly escalates after Hegseth characterized the video as part of “talking points” that have drawn scrutiny from the Pentagon, which has warned of possible court martial proceedings. Kelly expressed concern over the administration’s transparency regarding foreign affairs and the potential implications of the strikes against Nicolás Maduro‘s regime in Venezuela.
A spokesperson for Senator Dan Sullivan, also on the Armed Services Committee, criticized Kelly’s video as “irresponsible.” However, Sullivan believes the Pentagon’s investigation into Kelly is not a productive use of time.
The political implications of this escalating situation are significant. As both parties prepare for the upcoming elections in 2025, Democrats are cautioned against complacency by Sen. Coons, who advocates for a “more affirmative vision” for future gains.
As the investigation unfolds, observers will be keenly watching how this clash impacts both Kelly’s political standing and the Pentagon’s handling of the situation. The urgency of these developments underscores the contentious nature of military and political interactions in the current landscape.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops, and share your thoughts on the implications of this investigation and its broader impact on U.S. foreign policy.
