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Sen. 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.
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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.
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Sen. Mark Kelly sues government over right to undermine military chain of command * WorldNetDaily * by Bob Unruh
Source link Coast Guardsmen, sailors and Marines take off in an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter ahead of a right of visit boarding in the Atlantic Ocean, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026. (U.S. Navy photo) A sitting U.S. senator has sued the federal government, including War Secretary Pete Hegseth, because of Hegseth’s investigation that could result in
Coverage Details
Total News Sources266
Leaning Left69Leaning Right38Center108Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Center
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center
50% Center
L 32%
C 50%
R 18%
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