Former Joint Chiefs Chairman Mark A. Milley faces increasing pressure from the Trump administration following his recent criticism of the president.
According to The Washington Post, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has initiated multiple actions against Milley, including removing his security detail, suspending his security clearance, and launching an inspector general investigation into his conduct during his tenure as Pentagon's top officer.
The decision comes after Milley's acknowledgment of being a source for several books critical of Trump's first administration and his recent statement calling Trump "fascist to the core."
These actions reflect a broader effort by the new administration to reshape the Pentagon's culture and address what they perceive as political operations within military leadership.
The Pentagon's spokesman, John Ullyot, confirmed Hegseth's decisions were communicated to Milley on Tuesday. The inspector general's inquiry will examine Milley's conduct to determine if a military-grade review is warranted, potentially leading to his demotion in retirement.
The administration has already taken symbolic steps against Milley by removing his portrait from the Pentagon walls. This includes his Joint Chiefs chairman portrait and his Army chief of staff portrait, signaling a clear break from his legacy.
These actions follow Trump's broader moves against oversight officials, including the recent dismissal of several inspectors general. The administration's chief of staff emphasized their focus on addressing what they view as undermining the chain of command.
The removal of Milley's security detail raises significant concerns, particularly given ongoing threats from Iran related to the 2020 killing of Iranian general Qasem Soleimani. This action mirrors similar measures taken against other former officials like Mike Pompeo and John Bolton.
Senator Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, expressed his concerns about the decision. According to Reed:
General Milley and other former Trump Administration officials continue to face credible, deadly threats from Iran because they carried out President Trump's order to kill Iranian General Soleimani. It is unconscionable and recklessly negligent for President Trump and Secretary Hegseth to revoke General Milley's security detail for their own political satisfaction.
The tension between Milley and Trump intensified after the general's involvement in several controversial events, including the 2020 Lafayette Square incident and his calls to Chinese officials during Trump's final days in office.
The move against Milley tests the limits of administrative processes within the Defense Department, despite Biden's preemptive pardon protecting him from criminal prosecution. Political scientists warn these actions could further politicize military leadership and establish concerning precedents for future administrations.
Milley's clearance suspension and security detail removal mark significant departures from the traditional treatment of retired military leaders. These decisions reflect deeper divisions between military leadership and civilian oversight that could impact future civil-military relations.
The general's supporters view these actions as retaliation for his role in maintaining stability during Trump's first term, while critics argue they represent necessary accountability measures for perceived breaches of military protocol.
