U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly sues the Pentagon over censure, calls it unconstitutional

Sen. Mark Kelly filed a federal lawsuit seeking to block a censure letter from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, arguing the action violates his First Amendment rights; the case was assigned to U.S. District Judge Richard Leon.

Sen. Mark Kelly sued the Pentagon seeking to block a censure announced by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The suit says the censure and related proceedings violate Kelly's First Amendment rights. The censure followed Kelly's participation in a video urging troops to resist unlawful orders, the article reports. The case is now before U.S. District Judge Richard Leon. Key points: - Hegseth announced a censure of Kelly on Jan. 5 and described it as a procedural step that could lead to demotion and reduced retirement pay. - Kelly filed a complaint asking a federal court to declare the censure letter, rank proceedings and any other punishments unlawful and unconstitutional. - The lawsuit names Pete Hegseth, the Defense Department, Navy Secretary John Phelan and the navy as defendants. - The case was assigned to U.S. District Judge Richard Leon; no hearing date was reported in the article. Summary: The case raises questions about the balance between government discipline for retired service members and free speech protections for elected officials. The suit seeks to block the censure and any subsequent disciplinary actions and is now in federal court. Undetermined at this time.