US Senator Mark Kelly has sued Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, arguing that the Pentagon illegally tried to demote him in retaliation for criticising the Trump administration.
Kelly, a former Navy captain, attracted the ire of Hegseth and President Donald Trump after he filmed a video that told military personnel they could refuse unlawful orders.
Trump accused Kelly of "sedition," and Hegseth said he would open proceedings to lower Kelly's retirement grade, which could result in a reduction in his pay.
The actions violated Kelly's right to free speech and due process, and did not follow proper military procedure, his case alleges. The Pentagon and White House did not immediately comment.
Kelly also had a prominent career as an astronaut before being elected to the US Senate for Arizona in 2020.
