Arizona Democrat Takes Legal Action Against Pentagon Chief Over Military Benefits Dispute
Aggregated, curated and edited by: LatinHub.tv
LatinHub.TV - Agentic News
Arizona Senator Mark Kelly has initiated federal court proceedings against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, challenging the Pentagon's decision to impose disciplinary measures and potentially reduce his military retirement benefits. The legal challenge stems from Kelly's participation in a video message advising service members about their rights regarding unlawful commands, which the retired naval officer claims represents an unconstitutional attack on veterans' freedom of expression and procedural protections.
Arizona Senator Takes Pentagon to Court Over Military Pension Dispute
Arizona Senator Mark Kelly has taken the extraordinary step of filing a federal lawsuit against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and the Pentagon. The Democratic senator challenges what he calls unconstitutional efforts to strip his military rank and reduce his retirement benefits.
The legal battle stems from a controversial video where Kelly, a retired Navy officer, reminded service members of their right to disobey unlawful commands. According to court documents, Kelly's attorneys argue the Pentagon's formal reprimand violates his free speech rights and denies him due process.
In a pointed statement, Kelly warned that Hegseth's actions create a dangerous precedent for all military veterans. He claims the defense secretary's approach sends a chilling message that retired personnel could face punishment for expressing views that displease current leadership.
Sources indicate this represents a significant escalation in tensions between the Arizona lawmaker and the Pentagon under new leadership. The case could have far-reaching implications for how the military handles dissent from former officers who later enter public service.