Story perspectives

Rights Group Urges Court to Halt Hegseth’s Threat to Kelly

4/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression asked D.C. Circuit to keep injunction barring Pete Hegseth from disciplining Senator Mark Kelly.
Hegseth threatened to cut Kelly’s rank and pension after November 18 video urging refusal of orders and criticizing President Donald Trump’s deployments.
The foundation says extending the Parker v. Levy ruling to retirees would create a First Amendment exception that 73 former military leaders say censure threat silences retired officers.

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Story summary

Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression asked D.C. Circuit to keep injunction barring Pete Hegseth from disciplining Senator Mark Kelly.
Hegseth threatened to cut Kelly’s rank and pension after November 18 video urging refusal of orders and criticizing President Donald Trump’s deployments.
The foundation says extending the Parker v. Levy ruling to retirees would create a First Amendment exception that 73 former military leaders say censure threat silences retired officers.