Sen. Mark Kelly says Hegseth's move to demote him "is about stifling people's speech"
CBS News••nation
Key Points:
- Democratic Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona criticized Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's decision to initiate a process to demote him and reduce his retirement pay, calling it an attempt to suppress free speech.
- The move stems from a video in which Kelly urged service members to refuse illegal orders, prompting Hegseth to issue a letter of censure and begin formal proceedings.
- Kelly, a retired Navy captain with 25 years of service and multiple combat missions, vowed to fight the demotion and defended his statements as aligned with military law.
- The controversy follows a November video by six Democratic lawmakers warning service members against illegal orders, which former President Trump condemned as "seditious behavior" and called for severe punishment.
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