Hegseth Appealing Block on Censure of Sen. Mark Kelly

The notice of appeal seeks to reverse a ruling that Hegseth violated Kelly’s First Amendment rights.
Hegseth Appealing Block on Censure of Sen. Mark Kelly
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth speaks to senior military leaders at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Quantico, Virginia, on Sept. 30, 2025. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
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War Secretary Pete Hegseth is asking an appeals court to review his attempt to censure Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) over a video in which the lawmaker told military personnel to disobey any “unlawful” orders.

Hegseth filed a notice of appeal on Feb. 24, seeking to reserve the judge’s block. U.S. District Judge Richard Leon issued a preliminary injunction, saying on Feb. 12 that Hegseth was infringing on Kelly’s First Amendment rights.