Pete Hegseth, newly appointed Secretary of Defense, is already making headlines with his controversial decisions just days after taking office. Notably, he has revoked the security clearance and detail of General Mark Milley, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, as part of what appears to be President Donald Trump’s firm control over the military hierarchy.
News of Hegseth’s sweeping actions broke on January 30, 2025, and came within his first two full days as Defense Secretary. According to Pentagon spokesman John Ullyot, Hegseth directed the department's inspector general to investigate Milley’s conduct, raising questions about his future status within the military. The specifics of the conduct under review were not disclosed, but Milley has become a common target of Trump’s frustrations during his previous presidency.
This move by Hegseth echoes Trump’s broader strategy of consolidative power within the government and the military, which has often been characterized by purging those seen as disloyal. Milley had publicly criticized Trump and his tactics, including referring to him as "a wannabe dictator" during his final speech as chairman.
Further amplifying discussions around military policy, Hegseth hinted at potential U.S. military intervention concerning both the Panama Canal and Greenland—issues which Trump had previously expressed interest in during his presidency. On Fox News, Hegseth stated, "The president has been clear about the fact... we have the right—we retain the right—to do what is necessary to make sure there is free navigation in the Panama Canal," emphasizing Trump’s stance on these strategic waterways.
During the interview with Jesse Watters on Fox, Hegseth had already set the tone for future military actions, leaving questions about whether Trump intends to take official military action to secure U.S. interests abroad. “We will have freedom of navigation in the Panama Canal...,” he declared, insisting on the importance of military readiness.
With regards to Greenland, Hegseth asserted, “The president recognizes how strategically significant Greenland is... So, stand by to stand by. We’re watching it, and we’ll see what happens.” This kind of ambiguous rhetoric signals the Trump administration’s willingness to explore various avenues, including military options, for maintaining influence over regions deemed pivotal for U.S. interests.
Milley, previously lauded for his experience and leadership, now finds himself embroiled in controversy following the fallout from Trump’s accusations. Trump has previously claimed Milley engaged in treasonous actions related to phone calls he made to his Chinese counterpart during his presidency, comments which have been denounced as egregious by Milley himself.
"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," stated Joe Kasper, the Defense Department’s chief of staff, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to prioritize loyalty within military ranks.
The political repercussions of Hegseth’s actions could be substantial. By moving quickly to erase Milley’s security apparatus, it appears Hegseth aims to assert control and signal to other military leaders what conduct will be tolerated moving forward. The new Secretary of Defense’s approach resonates with Trump’s strategy of consolidative authority and could reshape military oversight formally undertaken by previous administrations.
General Milley, who has dedicated over four decades to military service, expressed gratitude for the recent blanket pardon issued by President Joe Biden just before Trump’s inauguration. This pardon cushioned him against possible retaliation from Trump, who had declared intentions of targeting individuals he deemed adversaries during his first presidency. “It has been an honor and privilege to serve our great country... until my dying breath,” Milley had expressed, underscoring his unwavering commitment to the nation's defense.
The forthcoming investigations led by the inspector general could complicate Milley’s rank should any misconduct be found. While his legal protections afforded by Biden’s pardon shields him from criminal prosecution, the military's internal review mechanisms remain intact and pose their own set of challenges for Milley.
Trump’s administration has not shied away from showcasing its intent to realign military operations and accountability frameworks. The president’s recent actions, including Hegseth’s decisions, reflect his strategic objective to maintain stringent oversight over policymaking and military decisions—even as critiques of his first term echo through the halls of power.
Days after his swearing-in, Trump demonstrated the same aggressive path he forged during his prior presidency, including dismissing four inspectors general from different departments without the required notice, drawing concerns about impartial oversight. This pattern of purging has become characteristic of Trump’s administration and may set the stage for significant shifts within the upper echelons of the U.S. military.
The developments following Hegseth’s appointment mark the beginning of what promises to be another tumultuous chapter in U.S. military leadership, one defined by echoes of past controversies and the specter of future military engagements across the globe.