The Pentagon has made headlines this week with the unprecedented decision to revoke the security clearance and personal security detail of retired General Mark Milley, the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. This action was announced by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who also initiated an inquiry aimed at reviewing Milley's conduct during his tenure under the Trump administration.
According to Pentagon spokesman John Ullyot, Secretary Hegseth informed General Milley of the revocation decision, which was characterized as part of the new administration’s effort to implement accountability within the military branches. Hegseth emphasized the need to uphold the integrity of the chain of command, labeling any act of undermining it as “corrosive to our national security.” This sentiment echoes sentiments previously expressed by other officials who viewed Milley’s actions during Trump's presidency as politically motivated.
The political climate surrounding Milley's removal from security detail is framed against his rocky relationship with former President Trump, which had deteriorated significantly during Trump’s final months in office. Milley, appointed by Trump himself, found himself at odds with the administration amid accusations of treason following two highly publicized phone calls he made to his Chinese counterpart. During these conversations, Milley sought to assure China of U.S. stability—a move Trump publicly condemned, framing it as disloyalty.
Of note is the larger narrative at play: Milley's departure follows Trump’s mercurial approach to dealing with former officials he viewed as disloyal. Specifically, after Trump assumed office once more, he ordered the removal of Milley’s portraits, stripping the former general of his visible legacy within the Pentagon. This removal served as both a symbolic act of retribution and also as part of the administration's stated mission of accountability.
“General Milley is part of the past, and it’s time the Pentagon moved forward without him,” said Joe Kasper, Chief of Staff at the Defense Department, reinforcing the insistence on restoring accountability under Trump's leadership.
Milley's relationship with Trump soured publicly after key moments, including the controversial use of the military during civil unrest following the murder of George Floyd. During this period, Milley faced backlash and made the unusual decision to apologize for his presence during Trump's photo-op outside St. John's Church, where military action had been taken against peaceful protesters.
Milley's actions during his time as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs have come under scrutiny as officials attempt to evaluate his military grade. It remains unclear what specific conduct is under investigation, yet the inquiry is seen as part of broader efforts by the Hegseth administration to address perceived insubordinations among military leaders.
Despite the revocation of Milley's security clearance, he previously received broad protection through President Biden’s preemptive pardon when leaving office just days prior to Hegseth's directive. Milley expressed gratitude for Biden’s restorative action, asserting the importance of civil service to the nation’s security.
Trump’s administration has historically targeted various figures, stripping them of security provisions, including former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and National Security Adviser John Bolton. The underlying rationale often hinges on perceived political disloyalty, particularly concerning their roles during contentious moments of the Trump administration’s tenure.
The review being conducted by the Defense Department’s Office of Inspector General is particularly significant, as it evaluates whether Milley’s actions warrant disciplinary consequences, such as the downgrading of his military rank upon retirement.
Critics of the current administration’s actions against Milley warn of setting concerning precedents within the military framework. Political scientists and military experts fear these measures could politicize the military climate even more severely, with repercussions down the line as political leadership shifts with changing administrations.
Other former officials who previously held high-level security details have also questioned the recent uptick of removals, especially considering the continued threats against figures like Milley, stemming from heightened tensions since the assassination of Iranian military leader Qassem Soleimani.
General Milley, characterized as having served honorably over more than four decades, faces uncertain ramifications as investigations continue. The Pentagon is reportedly seeking to distance itself from his past, but it also illuminates the challenges the military must navigate when entangled with political narratives.
What remains clear is the polarized environment surrounding Milley’s legacy, bolstered by his own comments on Trump's leadership style. Milley has described Trump as “fascist to the core,” reflecting both the fracture within their professional relationship and the increasing tension during tumultuous political and social times.
Moving forward, all eyes will be on the results from the Inspector General’s investigation and how the conclusions could potentially reshape not only Milley's status within the military but the broader discourse on military leadership and political accountability within the United States.