Judge Blocks Hegseth’s Punishment of Senator Kelly
A federal judge has temporarily blocked Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth from taking punitive action against Senator Mark Kelly, a retired naval officer, for speaking out on military matters. This significant ruling came from Judge Richard J. Leon, a senior judge appointed during the Bush administration, who found that Kelly’s First Amendment rights were likely being violated. The core of the dispute revolves around Hegseth’s attempts to censure Kelly, potentially reduce his retirement rank and pay, and even threaten criminal prosecution simply for voicing opinions on military actions and policy while serving as a U.S. Senator.
The judge’s memorandum opinion makes it clear that while active-duty servicemembers have more limited First Amendment protections due to the strict need for obedience and discipline in the armed forces, these protections have not been extended to retired servicemembers, especially those in Congress exercising oversight responsibilities.… Continue reading
Matt Underwood