Kelly Case Threatens Military Free Speech and Veterans’ Pensions
This article examines a legal challenge brought by U.S. Senator Mark Kelly against Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who is attempting to revoke Kelly’s military retirement rank and pay over his First Amendment-protected speech. Hegseth’s actions, which include accusing Kelly of sedition for encouraging troops to refuse illegal orders, represent an unprecedented move to punish military retirees for post-service statements. The case raises serious concerns about the potential for the administration to curb the free speech rights of all military retirees and establish a dangerous precedent for expanding executive power.
John Q. Hosedrinker