Pentagon appeals order blocking Sen. Mark Kelly's punishment over video
AP News • • nation
Key Points:
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is appealing a judge's order that blocks him from punishing Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly for participating in a video urging troops to resist unlawful orders, according to a court filing.
- The Justice Department plans to ask the U.S. Court of Appeals to review the February ruling by U.S. District Judge Richard Leon, who blocked Kelly's censure while his lawsuit proceeds.
- Judge Leon ruled that the Pentagon violated Kelly's First Amendment rights and endangered the constitutional liberties of military retirees, criticizing the government's claim that Kelly seeks exemption from military justice rules.
- Kelly and five other Democratic lawmakers, all veterans, appeared in a video urging troops to uphold the Constitution and reject unlawful directives, which led to accusations
