New Delhi, Feb. 13 -- A federal judge on Thursday (February 12) temporarily blocked the Pentagon from punishing Democratic Senator Mark Kelly for participating in a video urging service members to resist unlawful orders, ruling that the move likely violated his First Amendment rights.

US District Judge Richard Leon granted Kelly's request to halt enforcement of a January 5 censure issued by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, finding that the administration's actions threatened broader constitutional protections.

"To say the least, our retired veterans deserve more respect from their Government, and our Constitution demands they receive it!" Leon wrote in his ruling. The judge added that the Pentagon's position imperiled "the constitutional...