Applaud the Judge for Defending Sen. Mark Kelly’s Freedom

A federal judge just delivered a powerful defense of the Constitution — and it deserves our applause.

U.S. District Judge Richard Leon blocked the Pentagon’s attempt to punish Sen. Mark Kelly by downgrading his military retirement rank and pay after he appeared in a video urging service members to refuse illegal orders. The court made it clear: the government cannot retaliate against a retired veteran and sitting U.S. senator for exercising his First Amendment rights.

Judge Leon did not mince words. He ruled that the administration had “trampled” on Kelly’s constitutional freedoms and warned that millions of military retirees could be threatened if such retaliation were allowed to stand. Free speech is not conditional — and it does not disappear after someone hangs up their uniform.

Sen. Kelly’s message was simple and rooted in the oath every service member takes: defend the Constitution. Reminding troops that they must refuse unlawful orders is not sedition — it is a reaffirmation of constitutional duty. Attempting to silence that principle undermines both democracy and the rule of law.

This ruling is bigger than one senator. It protects veterans’ right to speak out, lawmakers’ right to engage in public debate, and every American’s right to criticize their government without fear of political punishment.

Add your name to applaud Judge Richard Leon for defending the First Amendment, protecting veterans’ rights, and standing up for constitutional freedom over political retaliation.