US appeals court appears skeptical of Pentagon bid to punish Mark Kelly
Summary
A US appeals court questioned whether the Trump administration can legally punish Senator Mark Kelly for urging military members to refuse illegal orders. Kelly sued the Pentagon, saying its attempt to demote him and cut his retirement pay violates his free speech rights under the US Constitution.Key Facts
- Senator Mark Kelly is a retired navy captain and Arizona Democrat.
- The Pentagon, under the Trump administration, tried to punish Kelly by demoting him and lowering his retirement pay.
- Kelly is accused of urging service members to disobey unlawful orders in a public video.
- A US appeals court hearing showed skepticism about the government’s legal case against Kelly.
- Kelly sued the Pentagon in January, claiming retaliation and violation of first amendment rights.
- A previous judge blocked the government from punishing Kelly while the case is decided.
- The government argues retired officers can be disciplined for speech that might influence active service members.
- Kelly’s lawyers say the punishment is retaliation for expressing political views on public issues.
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