News Wrap: Hegseth censures Sen. Kelly for video urging troops to resist unlawful orders

Key Concepts

• Letter of Censure: A formal statement of disapproval issued against a public official.
• Child Endangerment/Abandonment: Criminal charges related to placing a child in a dangerous situation or failing to provide necessary care.
• Involuntary Manslaughter: Unintentional killing resulting from criminal negligence.
• Holocaust Education: Efforts to teach about the systematic persecution and murder of six million Jews by the Nazi regime and its collaborators.

Political & Legal Developments

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a letter of censure to Senator Mark Kelly. This action stems from a video released in November by Kelly and five other Democratic lawmakers, where they encouraged U.S. troops to resist orders they deemed illegal. While the censure could potentially lead to a reduction in Kelly’s retired pay, it does not involve recalling him to active duty or pursuing prosecution. Senator Kelly responded by calling the order “outrageous,” asserting that Hegseth and Donald Trump “don’t get to say what Americans say about their governor.” The core issue revolves around the legality of orders and the right of soldiers to refuse them, as Kelly stated, “You can refuse illegal orders.”

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced the suspension of his re-election campaign, citing increasing scrutiny and the demands of addressing challenges facing the state. Walz stated, “Every minute that I spend defending my own political interests would be a minute I can’t spend defending the people of Minnesota against the criminals who prey on our generosity and the cynics who want to prey on your differences.” Senator Amy Klobuchar is reportedly considering a bid to replace Walz, with approximately a dozen Republicans already having entered the race.

Uvalde School Shooting Trial

Jury selection began today in the criminal trial related to the law enforcement response to the Uvalde school shooting. Adrian Gonzales, the first officer to arrive at Robb Elementary in 2022, is charged with 29 counts of child endangerment and abandonment. The prosecution alleges a failure to protect children, highlighting the fact that officers waited over an hour before confronting the gunman. This case focuses on the actions – or inaction – of law enforcement during the critical period following the initial shooting.

Attack on Vice President Harris’s Residence

The individual who attacked the home of Vice President Kamala Harris has been apprehended. The suspect, a 26-year-old from Kentucky, attempted to enter the residence with a hammer, causing damage to a security vehicle. Vice President Harris and her family were not home at the time of the incident, and the suspect is scheduled to be arraigned tomorrow.

Swiss New Year’s Eve Fire

Swiss authorities have identified all 116 individuals injured in the New Year’s Eve fire. More than 0 remain hospitalized. This follows the identification of all 40 fatalities from the blaze. The bodies of some of the six Italian victims have been returned to Italy. The managers of the building are facing charges of involuntary manslaughter.

Economic & International News

The stock market experienced gains amid hopes that U.S. energy companies will gain access to Venezuelan oil reserves.

Passing of Eva Schloss

Eva Schloss, the stepsister of Anne Frank and a Holocaust survivor, has died at the age of 96. Schloss and her mother were the only survivors of their family. She became a prominent Holocaust educator and author, emphasizing the importance of remembering the past. Schloss reflected on her experiences, stating, “I realized people should never ever forget what has happened and how it came about. We have to learn from history, the mistakes we have made and try to make a safer, better world for everybody.” After the war, her mother married Otto Frank, Anne Frank’s father.

Program Note

The broadcast will continue with coverage of revised vaccine guidance and an analysis of the political implications of the President’s foreign policy. The program originates from the David M. Rubenstein studio.