Judge Blocks Pentagon Punishment of Mark Kelly

A federal judge, Richard Li, temporarily blocked the United States — United States Department of Defense from punishing Democratic Senator Mark Kelly for participating in a video that urged troops to resist unlawful orders. Mark Kelly, a former Navy pilot, sued after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth censured him, a move that could lead to a demotion and reduction in retirement pay. Judge Leon ruled that the United States — United States Department of Defense violated Mark Kelly's First Amendment free speech rights and threatened the liberties of military retirees. The dispute began in November when Mark Kelly and five other Democratic lawmakers appeared in a video advising troops to uphold the Constitution against unlawful directives from the Donald Trump administration. Donald Trump subsequently accused the lawmakers of sedition. The ruling is a temporary injunction, and the lawsuit is ongoing, with the United States — United States Department of Defense, the United States — United States Department of the Navy, and Navy Secretary John Phelan named as defendants.