U.S. Senator Mark Kelly.Image: keystone
Jan 12, 2026, 9:48 p.mJanuary 12, 2026, 9:50 p.m
Democratic U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly filed a lawsuit Monday seeking to reverse Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s letter of condemnation and reprimand and prevent a possible demotion for the retired Marine officer. That’s what she reports “Washington Post”.
This has reached a further level of escalation in the dispute between the Democrat from Arizona and US President Donald Trump’s Pentagon chief.
The dispute involves a video in which US soldiers are reminded that they can refuse illegal orders in connection with internationally controversial US military operations against suspected drug smugglers in the Caribbean.
Kelly’s lawyers argue in the lawsuit that the Pentagon’s investigation and formal reprimand unlawfully restricted the senator’s right to free speech and violated his right to due process.
“It appears that never in the history of our country has the executive branch imposed military sanctions against a member of Congress for an objectionable political statement,” the lawsuit says, according to the Washington Post.
Kelly defended herself against the allegations a week ago. His aim was to remind soldiers of their duty to comply with international law.
According to Hegseth, the Defense Department is currently considering a reduction in Kelly’s retired rank. That would mean a reduction in his pension benefits. (hkl)