An Air Force officer who publicly protested President Trump now faces a court-martial. Major Jason Watson says he spoke out to defend the Constitution.
The case could test whether service members retain the right to publicly dissent. Military law generally restricts political speech by active-duty personnel.
Watson was charged after participating in a protest earlier this year. Details of the specific charges have not been fully disclosed.
His attorneys argue the remarks fell within protected free expression. They contend the Constitution applies to military members as well as civilians.
Military prosecutors say his actions violated Department of Defense rules. Those rules bar active-duty personnel from partisan political activity.
Legal experts describe the case as unusual. Courts-martial over political speech are rare and often raise complex constitutional questions.
A hearing will determine whether the case proceeds to trial. The outcome could set a precedent for future dissent cases.
