Aquil Lawrence

Hegseth said this month that the Pentagon would censure Democratic Senator Mark Kelly for his many statements last year against White House policies, especially when he joined five other Democrats to urge members of the military not to obey illegal orders.

President Trump called that treason and suggested the Democrats could be executed for it.

The Pentagon says that as a fully retired officer, Kelly could be demoted and have his retirement pay reduced.

Kelly, who served with distinction as a Navy combat pilot, called it an attempt to choke free speech by military veterans.

Now he's filed suit, asking the Washington, D.C.

District Court to declare the administration's actions unlawful and unconstitutional.

Quill Lawrence, NPR News.