A federal appeals court panel appears likely to reject Pentagon plans to punish Sen. Mark Kelly for advising troops to disobey illegal orders, another potential victory for the rising Trump administration foe and likely 2028 presidential candidate.
Kelly, a Navy veteran and former astronaut who has been a vocal critic of President Donald Trump and his military moves over the past year, faces a potential retirement demotion and a reduction in his benefits for comments that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has labeled “seditious.”
The saga has turned the Arizona Democrat into a high-profile opponent of the administration — and elevated his national standing as he “seriously” considers a White House bid. Kelly has already profited off the fight, raking in a staggering $25 million-plus over the last six months even though he’s not on the ballot this year. And he’s using his latest stint in court to solicit even more.
“My case against Pete Hegseth is going to go before a federal appellate court … is there anything I can say to convince you to make a donation?” reads a fundraising email Kelly’s team blasted out ahead of Thursday’s hearing that was obtained by POLITICO.
It hinted at more solicitations to come. “Trump’s out to crush anyone who opposes him, and it’s incredibly likely the attacks will only continue,” the email went on. “It would mean a lot to know we’ll have everything we need to face whatever comes next.””

https://www.politico.com/news/2026/05/07/kelly-trump-hegseth-seditious-court-00910006