Mark Kelly Sues Pentagon, Hegseth

Democratic Senator Mark Kelly, a retired Navy captain, has filed a federal lawsuit against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and the United States — United States Department of Defense. The lawsuit seeks to block Kelly's censure and any proceedings that could lead to a demotion of his retired rank and a reduction in his military pension. These actions by Pete Hegseth stem from Mark Kelly's participation in a November video with five other Democratic lawmakers, including Elissa Slotkin, Jason Crow, Chris Deluzio, Maggie Goodlander, and Chrissy Houlahan, which urged military service members to defy unlawful orders. Mark Kelly argues that the censure and subsequent actions are unconstitutional, violating his First Amendment rights and the Speech or Debate Clause, and are an attempt to retaliate against protected speech by a legislator. Donald Trump had previously accused Mark Kelly and the other lawmakers of 'seditious behavior' for the video. The case is expected to test constitutional grounds regarding executive power over retired military personnel and the protection of political speech by members of Congress.