US judge blocks Hegseth’s bid to punish Mark Kelly over ‘illegal orders’ video

Judge reprimands defense secretary over attempt to reduce Arizona senator's military rank and pension

A US judge on Thursday blocked the Pentagon from reducing Senator Mark Kelly's retired military rank and pension pay because he urged troops to reject unlawful orders.

The preliminary ruling by Richard Leon, a George W Bush appointee, is the latest setback for Donald Trump in his campaign of vengeance against perceived political enemies, which has drawn opposition from judges across the ideological spectrum.