News & Analysis
First Amendment rights in the military
Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, a retired Navy captain, was among a group of lawmakers who posted an online video that said military members “can refuse illegal orders.” President Donald Trump immediately accused the lawmakers of sedition. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued Kelly a formal censure and took steps to reduce his rank. Kelly sued, claiming the government was retaliating against him for free speech. A federal judge agreed with Kelly and wrote that the government “trampled on Kelly’s First Amendment freedoms.” Do members of the military enjoy the same First Amendment rights other citizens have? It’s a complex issue. Scott A. Leadingham, staff writer at the Freedom Forum, examines the question.