Summary
Senator Mark Kelly filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Defense and its secretary, Pete Hegseth, claiming they violated his free speech rights through "punitive retribution." The lawsuit follows a dispute involving a video Kelly participated in, which reminded military members to reject illegal orders. President Trump and others criticized the video as seditious, resulting in an investigation and possible penalties for Kelly.
Key Facts
- Senator Mark Kelly sued the Department of Defense and Navy, claiming they infringed on his free speech rights.
- The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. district court in Washington, DC.
- The conflict began with a video by Democratic lawmakers urging military members to refuse illegal orders.
- President Trump and allies called the video "seditious" and criticized the lawmakers involved.
- Mark Kelly is a U.S. Senator from Arizona and a former Navy pilot and astronaut.
- The Department of Defense launched an investigation into Kelly, with a possible court-martial.
- Pete Hegseth issued a formal letter accusing Kelly of undermining military order and seeking to reduce his rank and retirement pay.
