Transcript: Sen. Mark Kelly on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Aug. 2, 2026

On August 2, 2026, Democratic Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona appeared on Face the Nation with host Margaret Brennan to discuss the ongoing war against Iran. Kelly criticized the administration's erratic approach, noting that President Trump had previously suggested military action on a level not seen since World War II. The senator stated that the administration was trying to revert to February, suggesting a reset button that would undo the current situation.

Kelly expressed concern about the toll the war was taking on Americans, with rising prices and struggling veterans. He attributed the administration's struggles to its lack of a strategic plan and timeline, as well as a Secretary of Defense who couldn't manage the conflict effectively. Kelly accused the administration of flailing and losing control of the situation, alienating allies in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Europe.

He criticized the Pentagon's ability to protect Israel from Iranian ballistic missiles, citing the stress on munitions resources. Kelly suggested that the administration needed to bring in experts to negotiate with Iran and form a coalition to end the war. He was undecided on voting for the additional funding requested by Secretary of Defense Mark Hegseth, emphasizing the need for a more reasonable approach to the budget.