In November, former NASA astronaut and current Democratic Senator Mark Kelly, along with his colleagues, recorded a video message to the US military. In it, politicians called on soldiers to refuse to carry out illegal orders, referring to the controversial actions of the US towards Venezuela. This statement provoked real fury in the administration of President Donald Trump.
Defense Minister Pete Hegseth called the position of Democratic politicians provocative. Donald Trump even stated that such an act could be punishable by death, hinting at possible execution. Hegseth threatened Kelly with a court martial and subsequently announced his demotion and reduction in pension.
Pete Hegseth is coming after what I earned through my twenty-five years of military service, in violation of my rights as an American, as a retired veteran, and as a United States Senator whose job is to hold him—and this or any administration—accountable. His unconstitutional…
— Senator Mark Kelly (@SenMarkKelly) January 12, 2026
Don’t try to intimidate a hero
Mark Kelly, a veteran Navy pilot with 39 combat missions under his belt and a participant in three NASA shuttle missions, is not going to remain silent. He has already filed a lawsuit accusing the Secretary of Defense of violating his constitutional right to freedom of speech.
We want to speak directly to members of the Military and the Intelligence Community.
The American people need you to stand up for our laws and our Constitution.
Don’t give up the ship. pic.twitter.com/N8lW0EpQ7r
— Sen. Elissa Slotkin (@SenatorSlotkin) November 18, 2025
“His unconstitutional campaign against me sends a terrible signal to all retired military personnel,” Kelly said. “If you express an opinion that the authorities don’t like, you could be demoted or prosecuted.”
Kelly emphasizes that his video was intended to remind every soldier of their duty to uphold the Constitution, rather than blindly following orders.
“I’ve given too much to this country to be silenced by bullies.”
In his fight, the former astronaut draws on his own experience of serving his country. “In battle, I flew through anti-aircraft fire. At NASA, I flew on a rocket and commanded a shuttle. I did all this in the service of the country I love,” he says. “I’ve given too much to this country to be silenced by bullies who care more about their own power than protecting the constitution.”
He believes that the threat of punishment for veterans for their civic positions, even many years after retirement, is unacceptable in a democracy.
Battle for principles
Mark Kelly’s lawsuit could turn into a protracted and high-profile legal battle. The case goes far beyond a personal conflict. It raises fundamental questions: Do retired military personnel have the right to criticize? Where is the line between discipline and freedom of speech?
The outcome of this process could set a dangerous precedent for millions of American veterans or, conversely, become a protective barrier against arbitrary government action. For now, this story is a vivid illustration of how civic engagement can be met with a harsh response from the state apparatus.
Earlier, we reported on how Trump’s executive order stripped NASA of its right to defend itself.
According to Wall Street Journal
