Bob Schwartz

Whatever we say about Pete Hegseth—and we say a lot—he did serve honorably in the military. So why does he keep picking fights with Mark Kelly, a decorated Navy flyer and astronaut?

Pete is envious. Even the most ardent Trumpists may believe that Kelly deserves some credit for flying 39 combat missions in Desert Storm and for his 54 days in space during four NASA missions.

Pete can level the playing field.

First, he has to take part in combat flights, 39 of them. He doesn’t have to pilot the attack aircraft, just ride along.

Second, he can go to space. Let’s not be facetious and say he should stay there. He only needs to stay up there for 54 days.

We might add that to truly level the playing field, he should also be elected a United States Senator, but that may be asking too much.

Pete would then be (sort of) Mark Kelly’s equal, qualified to criticize and indict Kelly as much as he chooses. But until then, he should pick fights, as bullies do, with those he is sure he can beat.

© 2026 Bob Schwartz