US EditionSen. Kelly sues DOD Sec. Hegseth, says he was punished for ‘disfavored political speech’
Sen. Mark Kelly alleges Defense Secretary Hegseth's actions violate constitutional rights by retaliating against his protected speech, risking military pension and rank, lawsuit filed Jan 13.
- 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.
276 Articles
276 Articles
Democrat Senator Mark Kelly brought charges on Monday against the leader of the Pentagon and the Defense Pete Hegseth, after the latter's ministry announced the opening of an investigation against this former retired pilot of the US Navy. ...
US Senator Mark Kelly Sues Pentagon Chief Hegseth over Demotion Threats
WASHINGTON, Jan 12 (Reuters) - U.S. Senator Mark Kelly sued U.S. Defense 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.
Sen. Kelly Sues Hegseth to Block Attempts to Cut Rank, Pension
Kelly claims Hegseth and the other defendants violate the First Amendment, the Speech or Debate Clause, the separation of powers, due process, 10 U.S.C. § 1370 [general rule for commissioned officers], and the Administrative Procedure Act. The post Sen. Kelly Sues Hegseth to Block Attempts to Cut Rank, Pension first appeared on Le·gal In·sur·rec·tion.
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