Kelly: Hegseth Must Resign

Today, after the Atlantic released screenshots showing that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth texted detailed planning for strikes on the Houthi in Yemen on an unsecure app, Arizona Senator and former U.S. Navy combat pilot Mark Kelly called on Hegseth to resign.  

“Two months ago, on the day of Secretary Hegseth’s confirmation vote, I asked my colleagues if it was worth the risk to our servicemembers and our national security to confirm the most unprepared nominee for this job we’ve ever seen. This is what happens when you put unqualified people in important jobs where lives are on the line,” said Kelly. “It’s fortunate this massive error didn’t result in American casualties, but for the safety of our servicemembers and our country, Secretary Hegseth needs to resign.” 

Background: 

During Hegseth’s January confirmation hearing on the Senate Armed Services Committee, Kelly pressed him for direct answers on allegations of misconduct, including appearing intoxicated in professional settings. “I walked into this hearing this morning concerned that you haven’t demonstrated adequate leadership in your civilian roles—and in a dangerous world, America cannot afford a Secretary of Defense who is unprepared for the mission. I am going to leave with concerns about your transparency,” said Kelly. “[…] And just as concerning as each of these specific, disqualifying accusations are, what concerns me just as much is the idea of having a Secretary of Defense who isn’t transparent.”  

On the day of Hegseth’s confirmation vote in the U.S. Senate, Kelly said on the Senate floor, “I’m concerned that soon the United States Senate might confirm the most unprepared nominee to lead the Department of Defense that has ever been put forward.” He went on to close that speech by asking his colleagues, “Are you sure that you trust him with this job? Are you sure there isn’t another individual the president could choose who could pursue the same goals but is better prepared to do this job? Are you sure it’s worth the risk to our service members, to our national security, and to your families? I know I’m not.”