- Defense Secretary Hegseth demoted Senator Mark Kelly's retired military rank due to statements encouraging troops to defy unlawful orders.
- The demotion follows a video featuring Kelly and others urging military personnel to refuse unconstitutional orders, prompted by recent deployments and actions.
- Kelly condemned the action as an attack on free speech, asserting that the government cannot silence criticism from retired service members.

A: Hey Hana! Did you hear about something crazy happening with a US Senator?

B: No, what’s up, Kenji? Tell me!

A: So, this Senator, Mark Kelly, he's a former Navy guy, right?

B: Oh yeah, I think I remember, an astronaut too!

A: Exactly! He put out a video saying soldiers shouldn’t follow orders that aren’t legal.

B: Wow! That’s… pretty bold!

A: Yeah, well, the US Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, got really mad.

B: Really? What did he do?

A: He’s taking away Kelly's retired military rank! And less money too.

B: Seriously?! That's harsh!

A: He says Kelly’s statements were “seditious.” That means trying to go against the government.

B: That sounds intense! What made Kelly do it?

A: It was after Trump sent National Guard troops out and things got a bit messy.

B: Ah, I remember something about that... Drug busts and stuff?

A: Yep. Kelly said they shouldn’t be silencing people who disagree with the government.

B: He’s defending free speech! Good for him.

A: Totally! Kelly is saying Hegseth is trying to threaten all retired military if they speak out.

B: Sounds a bit scary, doesn't it? Like, who gets to decide what's allowed to be said?