Transcript: Sen. Mark Kelly on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan,” June 14, 2026
Transcript: Sen. Mark Kelly on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," June 14, 2026
Transcript - On June 14, 2026, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly participated in a segment of "Face the Nation" hosted by Margaret Brennan. The discussion centered on recent developments in the Middle East, U.S. military strategy, and ongoing efforts to strengthen alliances with nations like Ukraine. Below is a revised version of the interview, restructured and rephrased to reflect Kelly’s remarks in a fresh narrative.
Beirut Attack and Peace Negotiations
Margaret Brennan opened the segment by referencing President Biden’s recent social media statement regarding the Israeli strike on Beirut. The president had expressed concern that the attack, which occurred on a pivotal day in peace talks with Iran, could derail progress toward a diplomatic agreement. He emphasized Israel’s right to self-defense but noted that the attack was relatively small and insignificant, suggesting that all parties should pause hostilities to avoid complicating the negotiations.
“Margaret, the president’s stance is clear: he believes the attack should not have taken place, especially when we’re so close to a peace deal with Iran,” Brennan stated. “He argues that the conflict is unnecessary and could disrupt fragile diplomatic efforts. Do you support the memorandum of understanding he referenced?”
Kelly acknowledged the president’s perspective but emphasized the need for a broader analysis of the situation. “I haven’t seen the full details yet,” he responded. “But it’s evident that the U.S. is currently engaged in talks with the Iranians. The key question is: how did we arrive here? It all started in 2018 when Donald Trump withdrew from the JCPOA, leading to a war that wasn’t officially authorized. That decision has had lasting consequences for the American public, including rising energy and food costs.”
Kelly highlighted the economic impact of the conflict, noting that the war has strained resources and increased everyday expenses. “The American people are struggling to make ends meet,” he said. “This isn’t just about political posturing—it’s about real, tangible costs that affect families across the country.”
Munitions Shortages and Military Preparedness
Brennan shifted focus to the U.S. military’s current state, referencing a previous conversation with Senator Warner about the risks of a suspended warrantless surveillance program. She asked Kelly about the military’s ability to replenish its supply of munitions, particularly after years of conflict with Iran and the ongoing war in Ukraine.
“Earlier this month, I questioned Secretary Hegseth about the impact of the Iran war on our military readiness,” Brennan explained. “He dismissed the idea of a munitions crisis, calling it a media narrative. But he also admitted his testimony was speculative. Is there actually a problem with our stockpiles?”
Kelly challenged Hegseth’s claim, asserting that the issue is far from hypothetical. “The secretary’s testimony was a clear understatement,” Kelly said. “The truth is, it will take years to rebuild our munitions reserves. Every attack on over 10,000 targets—whether by cruise missiles, bombs, or aerial strikes—drains our supply. We can’t afford to be complacent.”
He also connected the munitions dilemma to Ukraine’s current needs, pointing out the strategic importance of supporting the country’s defense. “Ukraine is in a critical position,” Kelly noted. “They’re facing a relentless Russian assault and need our help. The president’s focus on selling weapons to Europe makes sense from a financial standpoint, but it doesn’t address the urgent needs of our allies.”
Surveillance Programs and Intelligence Oversight
Brennan returned to the topic of Section 702, a controversial surveillance program that allows the collection of foreign communications without a warrant. She asked Kelly about the risks of suspending this program, referencing his earlier vote against a bipartisan bill to extend its authority.
“You voted against a bipartisan bill to renew surveillance powers, citing concerns about the Bill Pulte issue,” Brennan said. “You stated that any extension would require resolving this issue before you could support it. Has that problem been addressed with Jay Clayton’s nomination as the next director of national intelligence?”
Kelly admitted that while progress has been made, the issue remains unresolved. “Jay Clayton is a solid nominee, but the core problem isn’t just about who leads the intelligence community,” he explained. “It’s about ensuring the program aligns with our constitutional principles. When Tulsi Gabbard leaves her role, we still don’t know if the president will appoint Bill Pulte as acting DNI, which raises concerns about oversight.”
He stressed the importance of transparency, stating that the current administration’s approach to surveillance needs scrutiny. “The American people deserve to know how their data is being used,” Kelly said. “Section 702 has been a powerful tool, but without proper safeguards, it could erode public trust.”
Later in the interview, Brennan brought up the U.S.-Ukraine drone deal, which President Zelenskyy had highlighted during a recent appearance on the show. “Zelenskyy mentioned waiting for President Trump’s approval on this deal,” Brennan noted. “Do you think there’s a delay in decision-making?”
“I don’t have a definitive answer yet,” Kelly replied. “But I believe there should be no unnecessary delays. Ukraine is fighting for its survival, and the U.S. has a responsibility to assist. Co-manufacturing interceptors and drone components could be a viable solution, and it’s something we should explore. Ukrainians have proven their ability to innovate in the face of adversity, and we can learn from their expertise.”
Kelly concluded by emphasizing the broader implications of U.S. support for Ukraine. “This isn’t just about military hardware,” he said. “It’s about reinforcing our commitment to allies and demonstrating that we’re capable of delivering on promises. If we don’t act decisively, we risk losing momentum in the fight against Russian aggression.”
The interview underscored Kelly’s commitment to both economic accountability and strategic diplomacy, highlighting his concerns about the war’s impact on domestic resources and international partnerships. His remarks provided a critical perspective on the administration’s policies, blending immediate issues with long-term consequences for U.S. foreign and domestic priorities.