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Defense Secretary Appeals Ruling on Senator's Troop Advice

2/25/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth appealed a court ruling blocking his efforts to punish U.S. Senator Mark Kelly for advising troops to refuse illegal orders.
The dispute began in November when Kelly and five Democratic lawmakers released a video urging troops to reject unlawful commands.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Hegseth labeled the remarks seditious.
The Justice Department has not indicted Kelly or the other lawmakers involved in the video.

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Story summary

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth appealed a court ruling blocking his efforts to punish U.S. Senator Mark Kelly for advising troops to refuse illegal orders.
The dispute began in November when Kelly and five Democratic lawmakers released a video urging troops to reject unlawful commands.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Hegseth labeled the remarks seditious.
The Justice Department has not indicted Kelly or the other lawmakers involved in the video.