In a significant move reflecting the political landscape, the Pentagon has announced that General Mark Milley, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has been stripped of his security detail and clearance. This action, ordered by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, comes amid ongoing tensions between Milley and former President Trump, leading to a review of his conduct during his tenure.
Pentagon Revokes Security Clearance for General Mark Milley Amidst Trump Administration Changes
Pentagon Revokes Security Clearance for General Mark Milley Amidst Trump Administration Changes
The Pentagon's recent decision to strip retired General Mark Milley of his security detail and clearance raises questions about accountability and political tensions following Trump's return to executive power.
The Pentagon has officially revoked the security detail and clearance of retired General Mark Milley, a prominent figure in the U.S. military and past chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who has openly criticized former President Donald Trump. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth initiated this controversial change as part of his early responsibilities in the new administration, prompting an investigation into Milley’s alleged actions during his last term.
Milley’s tenure was marked by conflict with Trump, particularly concerning phone calls he made to his Chinese counterpart during the transition period following the tumultuous 2020 presidential election. These conversations were held to ensure safety and stability amid concerns over a potential nuclear strike, which Trump characterized as treasonous.
Amidst these transformations, Milley was quoted in Bob Woodward's book as referring to Trump as "fascist to the core," comments that contributed to underlying tensions. Milley also publicly asserted that military loyalty lies not with an individual but with the Constitution, a stance reflecting deep-seated discontent. The Defense Department's current leadership emphasizes the necessity for restoring accountability, stating that undermining command structures is detrimental to national security.
Former President Biden had previously issued pre-emptive pardons to Milley and several other officials, including Anthony Fauci, to protect them from potential reprisals by Trump’s rebounding administration. Despite this gesture, Trump’s latest decisions have involved the revocation of security protection for various officials who served during his presidency.
As the reshaping of Pentagon personnel continues, Milley’s removal marks a notable shift in security protocols and political dynamics within the military framework of the United States. This situation exemplifies the challenging intersection of military leadership and partisan politics in contemporary governance.
Milley’s tenure was marked by conflict with Trump, particularly concerning phone calls he made to his Chinese counterpart during the transition period following the tumultuous 2020 presidential election. These conversations were held to ensure safety and stability amid concerns over a potential nuclear strike, which Trump characterized as treasonous.
Amidst these transformations, Milley was quoted in Bob Woodward's book as referring to Trump as "fascist to the core," comments that contributed to underlying tensions. Milley also publicly asserted that military loyalty lies not with an individual but with the Constitution, a stance reflecting deep-seated discontent. The Defense Department's current leadership emphasizes the necessity for restoring accountability, stating that undermining command structures is detrimental to national security.
Former President Biden had previously issued pre-emptive pardons to Milley and several other officials, including Anthony Fauci, to protect them from potential reprisals by Trump’s rebounding administration. Despite this gesture, Trump’s latest decisions have involved the revocation of security protection for various officials who served during his presidency.
As the reshaping of Pentagon personnel continues, Milley’s removal marks a notable shift in security protocols and political dynamics within the military framework of the United States. This situation exemplifies the challenging intersection of military leadership and partisan politics in contemporary governance.
