Statement from Senator Kelly Following Federal Court Hearing 

Today, Arizona Senator and Navy combat veteran Mark Kelly released the following statement after today’s federal court hearing on his case against Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth: 

“Today was a day in court not just for my Constitutional rights, but for millions of retired veterans and all Americans. There is nothing more fundamental to our Democracy than the freedom to speak out about our government – that’s what I’m fighting for.   

Given what’s at stake, I appreciate the judge’s quick and careful consideration in this lawsuit. 

I wore the uniform to defend this country and our Constitution. 

Secretary Hegseth has censured me and is trying to demote me for things I said. For doing my job as a Senator.

This isn’t happening in isolation. Since taking office, this administration has repeatedly gone after the First Amendment rights of Americans.  

That’s not how we do things in the United States of America.

We have the Constitution and the law on our side.”