The ongoing clash between former Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Mark Milley and former President Donald Trump takes a dramatic turn in the Pentagon's corridors of power.
According to USA TODAY, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the removal of Milley's security clearance and protection detail while directing an internal investigation into the retired general's conduct.
The Pentagon's decision comes amid a broader wave of security clearance revocations targeting Trump's perceived political adversaries. The Defense Department's Inspector General's office is now reviewing whether Milley's clearance should be reinstated, with spokesperson Mollie Halpern confirming receipt of the investigation request.
The security clearance removal follows Trump's executive order that stripped credentials from 50 former intelligence officials. These officials had previously faced Republican criticism for their stance on Hunter Biden-related reports. The administration's actions extend beyond Milley, affecting other prominent figures, including former CIA directors John Brennan and Michael Hayden, along with former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the administration's position, stating to reporters that these individuals should not retain lifetime security privileges. She emphasized the financial burden on taxpayers, suggesting wealthy former officials could arrange private security.
Pentagon spokesperson John Ullyot announced the decision late Tuesday, marking another significant development in the increasingly tense relationship between Trump and his former military leadership. The announcement coincided with the mysterious removal of Milley's portrait from the Pentagon's wall shortly after Trump's inauguration.
The antagonism between Trump and Milley stems from several controversial incidents during Trump's first term. At the center of the dispute are Milley's calls to his Chinese counterpart, which Trump characterized as treasonous. As stated by Defense Department Chief of Staff Joe Kasper:
Undermining the chain of command is corrosive to our national security, and restoring accountability is a priority for the Defense Department under President Trump's leadership.
The tension escalated following Milley's retirement ceremony speech, where he delivered a thinly veiled criticism of Trump. During this event, Milley declared that service members do not take oaths to "wannabe dictators," though he avoided naming Trump directly.
These developments prompted former President Biden to grant Milley a preemptive pardon before leaving office. The pardon extended to other Trump critics, including Dr. Anthony Fauci and former Representative Liz Cheney.
The removal of Milley's security privileges reflects a pattern of retribution against former officials who opposed Trump. The administration has also terminated federal funding for security details of other prominent figures, including former COVID-19 response leader Dr. Anthony Fauci and former national security advisor John Bolton.
Press Secretary Leavitt framed the decision as part of a larger military reform effort, emphasizing the administration's focus on strengthening defense capabilities. She specifically highlighted the Pentagon's commitment to rebuilding military strength under Secretary Hegseth's leadership.
The Inspector General's investigation into Milley's conduct will determine the permanent status of his security clearance, though no timeline has been provided for the review's completion.
The Pentagon's removal of Milley's security clearance and protection detail represents the latest development in Trump's systematic targeting of former officials who challenged his leadership. The decision affects not only Milley but sets a precedent for how future administrations might handle security privileges for retired military leaders. As the Defense Department's Inspector General reviews the case, questions remain about the long-term implications for civilian-military relations and the protection of former high-ranking officials.
