Senator Mark Kelly sues Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth over attempted demotion
12 minutes agoShareSaveKayla EpsteinShareSaveWatch: US Senator Mark Kelly on why he's suing Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth
US Senator Mark Kelly has sued Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, arguing that the Pentagon illegally tried to demote him in retaliation for criticising the Trump administration.
Kelly, a former Navy captain, drew the ire of Hegseth and President Donald Trump after he filmed a video that told military personnel they could refuse unlawful orders.
Trump accused Kelly of "sedition", and Hegseth said he would open proceedings to lower Kelly's retirement grade, which could result in a reduction in his pay.
The actions violated Kelly's right to free speech and due process, and did not follow military procedure, his case alleges. The defence department was "aware of the litigation," a spokesperson said.
"As a matter of policy, the Department does not