US EditionSen. Kelly sues DOD Sec. Hegseth, says he was punished for ‘disfavored political speech’
Sen. Mark Kelly challenges Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's unprecedented military sanction effort following a video urging troops to refuse illegal orders, citing First Amendment violations.
- On Monday, Sen. Mark Kelly filed a civil lawsuit naming Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and the Department of Defense, seeking to block enforcement of punishment and set aside retirement status changes.
- The November video prompted the Trump administration to label it 'seditious' and President Donald Trump suggested prosecution, while Pete Hegseth cited the video to justify downgrading Sen. Mark Kelly's retirement rank.
- In a 46-page complaint, Kelly's lawyers argued the federal retirement-grade statute covers only active-duty conduct and invoked the First Amendment and Speech or Debate Clause of the Constitution.
- Hegseth issued a formal censure and announced retirement-grade proceedings that could lower Captain Kelly's retired rank and pay, and place the censure in his official file.
- Military law experts warn a Pentagon full of Trump supporters could bias outcomes, and Rachel VanLandingham said `The bottom line is, this is not lawful` regarding Hegseth's rank reduction attempt.
163 Articles
163 Articles
US Senator Mark Kelly sues Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth over demotion threats
US Senator Mark Kelly sued Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Monday, saying Pentagon proceedings to demote the Arizona Democrat from his retired Navy captain rank violated Kelly’s free speech rights because he urged troops to reject unlawful orders. Kelly, also a former astronaut, said in his lawsuit in federal court in Washington that the Defence Department’s actions were retaliatory and violated the US Constitution’s First Amendment protect…
Democratic Senator Mark Kelly announced Monday to file a complaint against US Defense Minister Pete Hegseth.
Breaking: Kelly sues Hegseth over censure for lawmakers' video about troops' duty to refuse illegal orders
Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly on Monday sued Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the Defense Department, and others over Hegseth’s efforts to punish Kelly for the video released by Kelly and other members of Congress highlighting the oath that members of of the military and intelligence community take and their responsibility to refuse illegal orders.“Plaintiff’s constitutional harms must be vindicated now, before he is forced to submit to any further unc…
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