Senator Mark Kelly's Legal Battle Against Pentagon Censure

U.S. Senator Mark Kelly has filed a lawsuit against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, alleging that proceedings to demote him from his retired Navy captain rank violated his free speech rights. The lawsuit challenges the Pentagon's actions as unconstitutional, following Kelly's public condemnation of unlawful military orders.

U.S. Senator Mark Kelly has taken legal action against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, asserting that the Pentagon's move to demote him infringed upon his First Amendment rights. The lawsuit, presented in federal court, argues that Kelly's criticism of unlawful orders led to retaliatory actions.

The legal challenge seeks to halt Hegseth's review and declare it unlawful. Officials from the Pentagon have not provided comments on the matter. The dispute arose after Kelly's video, urging troops to reject illegal orders, faced condemnation from Hegseth, who issued a censure letter in January.

Mark Kelly, a retired Navy captain and former astronaut, contends that the Defense Department's actions aim to silence military personnel critical of leadership decisions. This lawsuit emerges amidst ongoing tensions within the Pentagon, highlighted by leadership changes during former President Donald Trump's administration.

(With inputs from agencies.)