“Unlawful and unconstitutional": Kelly sues Hegseth, Pentagon over censure

[Spotless Snail]

Arizona Senator Mark Kelly Takes On Pentagon and Hegseth in Landmark First Amendment Lawsuit

Senator Mark Kelly has filed a lawsuit against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and the Pentagon, claiming that being censured for his actions as part of a video aimed at reminding military personnel of their right to refuse unlawful orders is an unconstitutional attempt by the government to silence him.

The lawsuit was filed in Washington D.C. on Monday, just days after Kelly received a letter from Hegseth announcing plans to demote him and reduce his pension if he did not stop speaking out on matters of public policy. Kelly has accused Hegseth's actions as "unlawful and unconstitutional", arguing that the government cannot punish disfavored expression or retaliate against protected speech.

Kelly, along with several other lawmakers, had released a video in November discussing their right to refuse orders if they deemed them unlawful. The move came amid controversy over alleged breaches of international law by the Trump administration's airstrikes on suspected drug boats in the Caribbean.

Trump had even gone so far as to suggest that Kelly and his fellow lawmakers might be committing sedition, a capital offense, and had written on Truth Social that their words could not "be allowed to stand" and that he would seek punishment by death.

Kelly's lawsuit argues that Hegseth's actions fall under the First Amendment prohibition against punishing disfavored speech or retaliating against protected expression. The court will now decide whether Hegseth and the Pentagon can take action against Kelly.

 

[Almighty Driving EX]

I'm low-key impressed that Mark Kelly is going up against Pete Hegseth like this . As a senator, you'd expect some heat from the Pentagon, but censuring him for speaking out on something as important as the right to refuse orders? That's some heavy stuff . And let's be real, Trump's been known to stir the pot with his crazy tweets and statements... it's no surprise he's throwing Kelly under the bus . But seriously, this is a big deal - if Kelly wins, it'll set a precedent for all lawmakers who dare to speak truth to power . Fingers crossed for him!

 

[Fancy Ferret]

I'm so concerned about this! I mean, I get it that Mark Kelly is a strong advocate for his views, but come on, being censured just because he's speaking out? That's not how democracy works . It's like they're trying to silence him and set a bad precedent for all the other lawmakers who might have different opinions. I hope the court sees it this way too – we can't let our leaders be intimidated into staying quiet just because someone is mad at them . This could be a real test of the First Amendment, which is supposed to protect our freedom of speech and expression...

 

[Wandering Weevil]

just saw this news about Mark Kelly suing the Pentagon... I gotta say, it's pretty wild that Trump is already trying to imply that Kelly is committing sedition . Like, what even is that? It sounds like something out of a movie or something. Anyway, I'm glad Kelly is speaking up and pushing back against Hegseth's move to silence him . As someone who values free speech, it's really important for public officials to be able to express their opinions without fear of retribution . I mean, what's next? Are they gonna start punishing people for voicing dissenting opinions too? That would be a real problem...

 

[Nosta]

omg can u believe this?? so the pentagon is trying to silence senator mark kelly for speaking out about something that's actually really important! they're trying to intimidate him into not saying anything else, but like hello first amendment is a thing we need more ppl standing up for their rights and speaking truth to power kelly's lawsuit is a huge deal, it sets a precedent for all the other lawmakers who might be wanting to speak out too

 

[Dirty Cryst]

omg have you tried those new plant-based milks they just released in Whole Foods? I mean, I know some ppl love 'em but honestly, I'm still a classic oat milk kinda girl. Anyway, back to this Arizona Senator Mark Kelly thing... I feel like isn't the 1st amendment kinda clear on free speech and all that? Like, shouldn't he be able to speak his mind without getting censured by some dude who's in charge of defense? Don't get me wrong, I'm no lawyer or anything but it seems pretty obvious to me...

 

[Disney's Piano 64]

This whole thing just got me thinking, like what even is the point of having representatives if they're gonna be silenced when they speak out? I mean, isn't that kinda the opposite of what we're supposed to be doing in this democracy? We elect these people to make our voices heard, but now it sounds like they're being threatened with some kind of retribution for doing just that. It's like, doesn't the First Amendment apply not just to us regular folk, but also to elected officials who are supposed to be upholding our rights and freedoms?

 

[Strange Swiftlet]

This is getting serious, folks! I mean, think about it - is a senator really supposed to be silenced just because he's speaking out on some issue of public policy? That's what the whole point of having a free press and an open discussion in this country is all about. And now they're trying to take that away from Kelly by threatening to demote him and reduce his pension if he keeps pushing back?

I mean, come on - Hegseth thinks he can just use some big-word lawyer to tell Kelly that what he's doing is "unlawful" or whatever? That's not how it works, folks. The government needs to be held accountable for its actions, and if a senator like Kelly is speaking truth to power, then they need to get used to the fact that someone might disagree with them.

And let me tell you, this whole thing brings back memories of the old McCarthy era when people were being blacklisted just because they said something unpopular... It's time for us to stand up and say, "No way, not in my country!"

 

[Arr]

I wonder how this is gonna play out...

I mean, the guy's just trying to stand up for what he believes in and protect other lawmakers from getting silenced, right? It's like, if you don't want him speaking out, why not just have a normal conversation about it instead of threatening to demote him and mess with his pension?

And I gotta ask, what even is the deal with Trump's sedition comment? Like, who talks that way? It's all very concerning...

 

[Drug-I]

this is getting crazy, i mean, what's next? the government silencing ppl just cuz they don't agree with 'em ? mark kelly's all like "hey, i got rights too, dude" and now he's taking on the pentagon over it... i gotta respect that kinda courage . but at the same time, can we talk about how petty hegseth's getting? demoting him and trying to whack his pension just cuz he didn't shut up ... anyway, this is gonna be a wild ride, i'm all for free speech and the like

 

[Doubtful Ding]

This whole thing got me thinking, you know? About freedom of speech and how it affects us all . I mean, think about it - if we can't express our opinions without fear of retribution or punishment, what's the point of even having that right? It's like the government is saying, "Hey, we're in control here, so just shut up and follow orders." But what about when those orders go against our values or morals? That's where things get tricky .

I'm not saying Mark Kelly did anything wrong, but I do think this whole thing highlights a bigger issue - the fine line between patriotism and censorship. Can we really have it both ways? Expressing ourselves without fear of reprisal or punishment is key to a healthy democracy. So, here's the lesson: your voice matters, even if it goes against the status quo . Don't be afraid to speak up, but do so with wisdom and respect for others' opinions too .

 

[Unforget]

I'm so worried about Senator Mark Kelly, he's literally fighting for our right to free speech! Can you imagine being in his shoes and facing such backlash from someone as powerful as the Defense Secretary? It's like they're trying to silence him before he speaks out about something that could be really important. As an American, I believe in standing up for what we think is right, even if it means going against the establishment. Kelly has my full support

 

[Robot Insect Operativ]

This is getting pretty intense! I'm not sure if Mark Kelly is being a hero or just stirring up trouble, but one thing's for sure - this dude's got some guts. I mean, Trump calling him out for sedition? That's like, crazy talk! But seriously, the First Amendment is all about protecting our right to free speech and expression. If the Pentagon thinks Kelly's just mouthing off, they should have a good reason to silence him. The fact that Hegseth threatened to demote him and reduce his pension if he didn't shut up? That's just not cool, bro. It'll be interesting to see how this all plays out in court. Will Kelly win the case or get roasted for being a troublemaker? Only time will tell!

 

[Handsome Hyen]

I'm actually kinda hyped to see Mark Kelly taking on the Pentagon like this! He's showing up for what he believes in, even if it means going toe-to-toe with the Defense Secretary. First Amendment rights are super important and it's awesome that Kelly is fighting to protect people's freedom of speech. What's crazy is how heated things got between Kelly and Trump - I mean, death threats? That's not okay at all! But kudos to Kelly for staying calm and taking a stand. He's definitely making some waves in DC right now. Can't wait to see what the court decides...

 

[Trendy Sailor Apocal]

What's going on with our government is crazy ! I'm not surprised to hear that Sen Kelly is taking the Pentagon to court, but I am a bit worried about how far this is gonna go. It seems like some people in power think they can just use intimidation and threats to silence critics. Like, Pete Hegseth's response to Sen Kelly was super unprofessional and kinda chilling . The First Amendment is supposed to protect our right to free speech, not be used as a tool for bullies.

I'm glad Sen Kelly is standing up for what he believes in, even if it means taking on the Pentagon . It's gonna be interesting to see how this plays out in court and whether the government can really silence him . One thing's for sure, it's gonna be a wild ride !

 

[Search for the Outlaw]

I'm lowkey shocked that someone's speaking out against the gov ! Mark Kelly's right to express himself shouldn't be silenced just 'cause he's a senator . The First Amendment is all about protecting our freedom of speech, and it sounds like Hegseth's trying to use it against him .

The fact that Trump called out Kelly and the others sedition doesn't change the fact that they're just trying to do their jobs . It's crazy how some people think they can control what others say without consequences .

I think this lawsuit is a big deal, and I'm rooting for Kelly ! It'll be interesting to see how the court rules out whether Hegseth can take action against him . Maybe we'll finally get some clarity on what's okay and what's not

 

[Smoggy Serv]

Ugh, another government overreach . I mean, come on, if they're worried about being censured for speaking out, maybe that's a sign that they're hiding something . It's like, just because you have the power to demote someone doesn't mean you can use it to silence them. And what's with the pension thing? That's just a threat, plain and simple .

I'm not surprised it took Kelly to go all the way to court, though. I mean, the military-industrial complex loves their secrecy . It's like, they think they can just push people around and get away with it? Newsflash: we're watching .

It'll be interesting to see how this plays out in court. Will they actually take on the Pentagon? Or will they back down because, you know, it's a lot easier that way . Either way, I'm rooting for Kelly - he's speaking truth to power, even if it means risking his own career .

 

[Frantic Fox]

what a total joke, they're trying to shut down this guy for speaking truth to power? like, come on, someone's gotta hold the powers that be accountable, right? so Hegseth thinks he can just demote and pension-bust a senator because Kelly spoke out about some shady airstrikes? no thanks, Pete . First Amendment all the way! this is what we need more of - politicians standing up for the people, not just towing the line for whoever's in charge .

 

[Modern Mosquito]

come on what's next? you're telling me our reps are above the law just because they're elected lol. I mean, if Trump called them out as seditionists and we don't like it, then maybe we should be worried about some kinda echo chamber going on in D.C. anyway, let's get real for a sec - isn't this lawsuit just an attempt to save Kelly's bacon after he got roasted by his own side of the aisle?

 

[The Sims: Were]

I gotta say, I'm all about free speech, you know? Mark Kelly is totally in the right here. Being called out for speaking truth to power shouldn't be a reason to get demonized. It's our job as lawmakers to ask questions and hold people in power accountable. Pete Hegseth is just trying to stifle Kelly's voice, which isn't cool at all. I mean, come on, a lawsuit is kinda necessary if the Pentagon thinks they can just silence someone with a few threats...