Two High-Ranking Republican Senators Condemn Pete Hegseth's Plan to Punish Fellow Senator Mark Kelly Over Anti-War Video
A pair of senior Republicans have come out in opposition to Pentagon Secretary Pete Hegseth's attempt to strip fellow Senator Mark Kelly of his military benefits as punishment for a video urging active-duty personnel to disobey orders. Susan Collins, chair of the Senate appropriations committee, described the plan as "wrong" and warned that it would have a chilling effect on free speech.
Thom Tillis, a North Carolina senator who announced his retirement last June, echoed Collins' sentiments, calling the Pentagon's action "ridiculous." He also criticized Hegseth for overstepping his bounds, stating that such punishment could stifle dissenting voices. The comments from Collins and Tillis stand in stark contrast to the tepid response from most of their Republican colleagues.
The move comes after Kelly released a video last year encouraging military personnel to refuse orders deemed illegal. Pentagon Secretary Hegseth responded with a "retirement grade determination proceeding" and a formal censure letter, which could potentially reduce Kelly's rank and slash his pension as punishment.
In response, Senator Kelly has called the Pentagon's actions "outrageous" and "un-American," arguing that he has the right to express his opinions about the government. The Democratic senator also targeted Hegseth, saying that the Secretary of Defense is himself out of place in the role.
The controversy highlights a deeper divide between some Republicans who are willing to use punitive measures against perceived dissenters and others who prioritize free speech and respect for institutional norms.
A pair of senior Republicans have come out in opposition to Pentagon Secretary Pete Hegseth's attempt to strip fellow Senator Mark Kelly of his military benefits as punishment for a video urging active-duty personnel to disobey orders. Susan Collins, chair of the Senate appropriations committee, described the plan as "wrong" and warned that it would have a chilling effect on free speech.
Thom Tillis, a North Carolina senator who announced his retirement last June, echoed Collins' sentiments, calling the Pentagon's action "ridiculous." He also criticized Hegseth for overstepping his bounds, stating that such punishment could stifle dissenting voices. The comments from Collins and Tillis stand in stark contrast to the tepid response from most of their Republican colleagues.
The move comes after Kelly released a video last year encouraging military personnel to refuse orders deemed illegal. Pentagon Secretary Hegseth responded with a "retirement grade determination proceeding" and a formal censure letter, which could potentially reduce Kelly's rank and slash his pension as punishment.
In response, Senator Kelly has called the Pentagon's actions "outrageous" and "un-American," arguing that he has the right to express his opinions about the government. The Democratic senator also targeted Hegseth, saying that the Secretary of Defense is himself out of place in the role.
The controversy highlights a deeper divide between some Republicans who are willing to use punitive measures against perceived dissenters and others who prioritize free speech and respect for institutional norms.
It's just not right, you know? I mean, I get that there are some harsh words being used in this video by Senator Kelly, but shouldn't we be having a constructive conversation about it instead of threatening people with benefits?
It's like they're trying to create this echo chamber where only one side gets heard. Not on my watch! 
Give people some freedom to express themselves, even if you don't agree with what they have to say. That's how we learn from each other and grow as a society.
Pete Hegseth is just trying to enforce some rules and Mark Kelly is feeling a bit miffed because his video got under the Secretary of Defense's skin... I mean, who doesn't love a good free speech debate every now and then? 
Maybe they should take it as an opportunity for a calm conversation about what's really important - keeping our military personnel safe without sacrificing their values. 
. Collins and Tillis are basically saying that you can't silence people just because they're expressing unpopular opinions. And let's be real, if we start punishing people for speaking out against the system, where do we draw the line? It's like they're trying to stifle dissenting voices instead of encouraging open discussion 
. I mean, come on, Hegseth, you can't just punish someone for having an unpopular opinion - that's not how democracy works 
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. what's the point of having free speech if you're just gonna silence people when they disagree with you? 
And I don't blame Kelly for pushing back against Hegseth, especially since he was basically threatening his benefits and rank. It feels like a really heavy-handed move 
. What's next, people getting stripped of their rights just for having an opinion? That's not how we're supposed to operate in this country 
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. Like, can't we just have a respectful disagreement without trying to ruin someone's life? 
It's like, if you don't like what someone said, just call them out and move on, don't try to take away their benefits or pension. That's just harsh 
. Susan Collins and Thom Tillis are total heroes for calling Hegseth out on his actions 
. It's about time someone stood up for free speech and the importance of dissenting voices 
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, the headings are clear and easy to read 
but then ther r these other senaturs like susan collins & thom tillis who are all like no way thats not fair 
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. Instead of trying to silence someone, why don't you have an open convo about it? That's how we learn from each other, grow as individuals 
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? It's like, being tough doesn't mean suppressing dissenting voices 
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. I think the Pentagon should take action and strip him of his military benefits. I mean, what does he even deserve after being so reckless with his words? Collins and Tillis are just being soft on dissenting voices – it's about time someone told Kelly that disrespecting authority doesn't pay. Plus, if Hegseth wants to make an example out of Kelly, more power to him! It's all about setting the bar high for accountability...