WASHINGTON

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has referred a review of recent comments by US Senator and retired Navy Captain Mark Kelly to the Department of the Navy, requesting a briefing on the findings by Dec. 10, according to an internal memorandum released by the Pentagon.

The memo, shared on the US social media company X’s platform late Tuesday, is addressed to the Secretary of the Navy and cites “information regarding potentially unlawful comments made by CAPT (Ret) Mark E. Kelly in a public video, on or about November 18, 2025.”

“I am referring this, and any other related matters, for your review, consideration, and disposition as you deem appropriate,” the memorandum states.

Hegseth asked the Navy to provide him “a brief on the outcome of your review by no later than December 10, 2025.”

The memorandum came a day after the Pentagon said it was reviewing “serious allegations of misconduct” against Kelly over a video in which he and five other Democratic lawmakers urged US troops to refuse “illegal” orders.

Hegseth announced the probe Monday on X, calling the group, whom he labeled the “Seditious Six,” “despicable, reckless, and false,” and noting Kelly “is still subject to UCMJ — and he knows that,” referring to the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

The Pentagon said a “thorough review” had begun and could result in Kelly being recalled to active duty for potential court-martial or administrative action.

Kelly posted the video on Nov. 18, saying: “Our laws are clear: you can refuse illegal orders.”

Shortly after the Pentagon’s announcement, he took to X to push back on the decision.

“If this is meant to intimidate me and other members of Congress from doing our jobs and holding this administration accountable, it won’t work,” he wrote.

The other lawmakers in the video were Senator Elissa Slotkin, a former CIA officer, and Representatives Jason Crow, an Army veteran, Maggie Goodlander, a former Navy Reserve intelligence officer, Chris Deluzio, a Navy veteran, and Chrissy Houlahan, an Air Force veteran.

President Donald Trump last week accused the group of being “traitors,” saying their comments amounted to “seditious behavior.”