Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Sen. Mark Kelly became the center of renewed scrutiny after a public statement triggered a sharp response from the Pentagon. The latest development added another layer to an already tense dispute involving military discussions, political backlash, and growing attention in Washington.
Mark Kelly to be investigated by Pentagon for second time
CNN reported that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth called Sunday for Sen. Mark Kelly to face another Pentagon investigation. Hegseth criticized the Arizona Democrat after Kelly discussed American weapons stockpiles during CBS’s “Face the Nation.” Hegseth wrote, “Did he violate his oath…again? @DeptofWar legal counsel will review.” He accused Kelly of “blabbing on TV” about a classified Pentagon briefing concerning American munitions and operational readiness during the Iran conflict.
Kelly said recent Pentagon briefings revealed a severe strain on American missile inventories. He told CBS News, “We’ve expended a lot of munitions.” Kelly added, “That means the American people are less safe.” He referenced Tomahawks, ATACMS, Patriot missiles, and possible future conflicts involving China. Kelly serves on the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Intelligence Committee. He later posted a video showing Hegseth discussing stockpile shortages during a public Senate hearing.
Kelly answered Hegseth directly through social media on Sunday evening. He wrote, “That’s not classified, it’s a quote from you.” Kelly also stated, “The war is coming at a serious cost.” CNN said the Pentagon referred questions about the dispute to Hegseth’s public statement. CNN also reported that Kelly’s office did not immediately provide additional comments regarding the proposed investigation.
The dispute followed another legal battle involving Kelly and the Pentagon. Hegseth previously sought administrative punishment after Kelly urged service members to reject illegal orders. Kelly sued in January after Hegseth threatened disciplinary action, including reducing Kelly’s military retirement rank and benefits. A federal judge earlier blocked those actions, calling them unconstitutionally retaliatory against the Democratic senator.
CNN previously reported significant missile depletion during the Iran war. The Center for Strategic and International Studies estimated America used nearly half its Patriot interceptor inventory by April 21. Sources familiar with Pentagon assessments reportedly said classified data closely matched those independent findings.
Originally reported by Vritti Johar on Mandatory.com.
