Federal judge blocks Defense Secretary Hegseth from punishing Senator Kelly

WASHINGTON (KYMA) - A federal judge has blocked Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth from punishing democratic Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ).

The judge ruled Hegseth's actions were unconstitutional retaliation.

The decision comes days after a grand jury declined to bring charges against Kelly and other democratic lawmakers over a video urging service members to refuse illegal orders.

The judge wrote that the pentagon’s response violated the first amendment, calling it an impermissible effort to punish protected speech.

He said Kelly was reprimanded for speaking on matters of public concern and remains entitled to constitutional protections.

"There's nothing more fundamental to our democracy than the freedom of speech, and the freedom to speak out  about our government, and that's what i'm fighting for. I appreciate the judge's quick and careful consideration in this case given what is at stake here," said Senator Kelly.

The ruling is a setback for efforts by aides of President Trump to use the levers of government to penalize the Arizona senator.