Weather

88°F1:29 PM

Politics

1 read

Sen. Mark Kelly Sues Over Threat to Retirement Pay and Rank

KVIA•Monday, January 12, 2026 at 7:35 PM•CNN Newsource

Government building representing politics and policy news

Want the full story?

Read the complete article at KVIA

AI Summary

Senator Mark Kelly has initiated legal action against Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, aiming to prevent the reduction of his retirement pay and rank due to his comments urging service members to disobey illegal orders. The lawsuit, filed on Monday, claims that the punitive measures violate Kelly's First Amendment rights and could deter legislative oversight. Hegseth's actions follow a controversial video released by Kelly and other lawmakers, which has drawn criticism from figures including former President Trump. Legal experts assert that there is no legal precedent for punishing retired officers in this manner, emphasizing that Kelly's actions occurred post-retirement. The case highlights significant issues regarding military authority and the rights of former service members.

Key Details: • Lawsuit filed on Monday against Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. • Kelly argues that censure and pay reduction violate First Amendment rights. • Legal experts state there is no basis for reducing rank after retirement. • The controversy stems from a video urging service members to refuse illegal orders. • Kelly emphasizes the need to protect veterans from retaliatory actions.

politics military lawsuit retirement first-amendment

People & Organizations

Donald TrumpDepartment of DefensePete HegsethMark KellyNavyRachel VanLandingham

Related Articles

Trump Criticizes Grammy Awards and Threatens Legal Action Against Trevor Noah

In a recent post on Truth Social, former President Donald Trump expressed his disdain for the Grammy Awards, labeling the event as 'virtually unwatchable.' He specifically targeted host Trevor Noah, threatening to pursue legal action over a joke made about Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. Trump's comments highlight ongoing tensions surrounding public figures and their remarks, especially in the context of sensitive subjects like Epstein's criminal activities. This incident underscores the intersection of entertainment and politics, drawing attention to how public figures respond to criticism.

Colombian President Petro Arrives in Washington Amid Tensions with Trump

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has arrived in Washington for a crucial meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, scheduled for Tuesday. This meeting comes after a year marked by significant diplomatic tensions, including verbal attacks and policy disagreements over immigration and drug trafficking. Petro's agenda includes discussions on climate change at Georgetown University and meetings with U.S. lawmakers and Colombian expatriates. The relationship between the two nations has been strained, particularly after the U.S. accused Colombia of failing to combat drug trafficking effectively. As tensions ease, this meeting could signal a new chapter in U.S.-Colombia relations, which have historically been strong.

Controversy Erupts Over U.S. Military Plane Arrival in Argentina's Ushuaia

The arrival of a U.S. military plane in Ushuaia, Argentina, has sparked political controversy, especially as it coincides with the Argentine government's recent intervention of the local port. The U.S. Embassy confirmed the plane carried a bipartisan delegation from the House Energy and Commerce Committee, yet the Argentine government has provided little information, raising suspicions among opposition leaders. Ushuaia, a key naval connectivity hub and access point to Antarctica, plays a significant role in the region's economy, with the local port handling around 700 vessels annually. This situation is further complicated by ongoing tensions regarding federal intervention in local governance and the strategic interests of foreign powers in the area.

House Speaker Faces Tough Vote on Funding Deal Amid Shutdown Threat

House Speaker Mike Johnson is urging Republicans to approve a funding deal negotiated with Senate Democrats to prevent a government shutdown. The deal, which includes a two-week extension for the Department of Homeland Security, is set for a vote as early as Tuesday. Despite backing from former President Trump, hardline GOP members are resisting, particularly over issues like voter ID laws. The outcome is crucial as Johnson can only afford one defection in his slim majority, especially after a recent special election added another Democrat to the House. The vote will also address contentious immigration enforcement practices, with Democrats pushing for judicial warrants instead of administrative ones.