The Pentagon has officially revoked the security detail and security clearance of retired General Mark Milley, who previously served as the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. This decision follows Milley’s outspoken criticism of former President Donald Trump, particularly regarding his leadership style and actions during and after his presidency.
Defense Secretary’s directive and ongoing investigations
In what marks one of his initial actions in office, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has instructed officials to investigate Milley’s conduct and reassess his military grade. The scrutiny comes in light of Milley’s criticisms of Trump, where he referred to him as a “fascist” and expressed concerns about his impact on the military.
Controversial communications with China
During the final days of Trump’s presidency, Milley faced significant backlash after it was revealed that he had engaged in phone calls with his Chinese counterpart. These conversations, held amid heightened tensions following the January 6 Capitol riots, were intended to reassure China that the U.S. would not initiate a nuclear strike. Trump, however, condemned these discussions, labeling them as treasonous and suggesting that past norms would have warranted severe punishment.
“An act so egregious that, in times gone by, the punishment would have been DEATH!”
Despite the accusations, Milley testified that these communications were pre-coordinated with other defense officials, suggesting a commitment to maintaining stability during a tumultuous period. Bob Woodward’s book, published last year, revealed Milley’s candid remarks about Trump, calling him “fascist to the core” and labeling him as “the most dangerous person to this country.”
In his final address as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in 2023, Milley emphasized that the military does not pledge allegiance to any individual leader, particularly referring to Trump, who had appointed him to the position.
The new chief of staff at the defense department reiterated the importance of maintaining the integrity of the military chain of command, asserting that “undermining the chain of command is corrosive to our national security.” The commitment to restore accountability within the Defense Department is seen as a priority under Trump’s leadership.
In a preemptive measure, outgoing President Joe Biden had issued a pardon to Milley and several others, including Anthony Fauci, to protect them from potential punitive actions from Trump’s administration. Biden clarified that this pardon should not be construed as an admission of any wrongdoing.
Milley expressed gratitude for Biden’s decision, emphasizing his desire to avoid prolonging conflicts that could impact his family and friends. “I do not want to put my family, my friends, and those with whom I served through the resulting distraction, expense, and anxiety,” he stated.
The confirmation of Milley’s revoked security detail and clearance was communicated to CBS News, highlighting the Department of Defense’s Office of Inspector General’s directive to investigate the circumstances surrounding Milley’s conduct. The review aims to determine the appropriateness of reopening the evaluation of his military grade.
As part of a broader shift in security protocol, Trump’s administration has also stripped security protections from several former officials, including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, National Security Adviser John Bolton, and Iran envoy Brian Hook. Notably, in the hours following Trump’s second inauguration, a portrait of General Milley was removed from the Pentagon, signifying a stark change in the relationship between the former president and the military leadership.