Sen. Mark Kelly Sues Pentagon Over Punishment For Warning Troops Of Illegal Orders
2 weeks ago
Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona has sued the Pentagon over attempts to punish him for warning about illegal orders. The former Navy pilot is trying to block his censure from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Hegseth announced last Monday that he censured Kelly for participating in a video urging troops to resist unlawful orders. Kelly's lawsuit argues that the First Amendment forbids punishing disfavored expression or retaliating against protected speech. Hegseth said the censure is a formal letter with little practical consequence but is a necessary step in proceedings that could lead to Kelly’s demotion.
Hegseth announced last Monday that he censured Kelly for participating in a video urging troops to resist unlawful orders. Kelly's lawsuit argues that the First Amendment forbids punishing disfavored expression or retaliating against protected speech. Hegseth said the censure is a formal letter with little practical consequence but is a necessary step in proceedings that could lead to Kelly’s demotion.
