Senator Mark Kelly sues Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth over attempted demotion

Senator Mark Kelly is suing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, alleging the Pentagon illegally attempted to demote him in retaliation for criticizing the Trump administration. The lawsuit stems from a video Kelly made with other Democrats advising military personnel they could refuse unlawful orders, which drew criticism from Trump and Hegseth. Hegseth initiated proceedings to lower Kelly's retirement grade, potentially reducing his pay, and issued a formal letter of censure. Kelly's suit claims these actions violated his free speech and due process rights, arguing the Pentagon lacked legal basis to review his retirement grade based on post-retirement political speech. The suit also alleges that Hegseth is disciplining Kelly solely for the content and viewpoint of his political speech.

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