Pete Hegseth handed loss as GOP-appointed judge blocks move to reduce veteran Dem's rank

A judge stepped in Thursday to block the Pentagon's move to try and reduce Sen. Mark Kelly's (D-AZ) rank or censure him — a loss for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and major win for Kelly.

Federal Judge Richard Leon in Washington, D.C., a Republican appointee, decided in favor of Kelly in the emergency action and in his decision — using multiple exclamation points — ruled that Kelly should have protections, CNN reported.

"He sees that Mark Kelly, a retired Naval officer and now a U.S. senator...