Hegseth calls for Sen. Mark Kelly to be investigated by Pentagon for second time

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth demanded a second Pentagon investigation into Sen. Mark Kelly on Sunday, accusing the Arizona Democrat of violating his oath by discussing classified details about US weapons stockpiles on CBS’ *Face the Nation*. Kelly, a retired Navy captain and former astronaut, stated that briefings revealed ‘shocking’ depletion of munitions—including Tomahawks, ATACMS, and Patriot interceptors—during the US-Iran war, warning that the stockpile shortages could endanger national security in future conflicts. Hegseth criticized Kelly for ‘blabbing on TV’ about a classified Pentagon briefing, prompting Kelly to respond with a video of their prior public Senate hearing, where Hegseth admitted it would take ‘years’ to replenish some stockpiles. Kelly emphasized that the cost of the war was ‘serious,’ while Hegseth’s call for review follows a federal appeals court’s rejection of earlier efforts to punish Kelly for a 2025 video urging service members to refuse illegal orders. Kelly’s latest comments align with recent reports that the US military has expended at least 45% of its Precision Strike Missiles, half of its THAAD missiles, and nearly 50% of its Patriot interceptors since the Iran war began. The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) warned these shortages pose a ‘near-term risk’ for future conflicts. Kelly’s office and the Pentagon declined further comment beyond Hegseth’s social media post. This investigation marks the second time Hegseth has sought to review Kelly’s actions, following a January lawsuit where Kelly sued the Pentagon to block administrative penalties, including a pay reduction tied to his retired military rank. A federal judge previously ruled Hegseth’s actions were unconstitutionally retaliatory, though the appeals court recently signaled skepticism toward reviving the case. Kelly’s warnings come as the US-Iran conflict enters its third month, with experts citing the stockpile depletion as a critical concern. The senator’s role on the Senate Armed Services and Intelligence committees underscores the urgency of his warnings about readiness for potential future threats, including in the Western Pacific.