Trump’s Pentagon Strips Gen. Milley of Security Clearance, Launches Inquiry/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has revoked retired Gen. Mark Milley’s security clearance and protective detail, while also ordering a Pentagon inspector general review into Milley’s conduct as Joint Chiefs chairman. The inquiry will determine whether Milley should face a military demotion. The move follows Milley’s public criticism of former President Donald Trump, whom he called a “wannabe dictator.”
Gen. Milley Loses Security Clearance: Quick Looks
- Security Clearance Revoked: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stripped Milley of his clearance and security detail.
- Pentagon Investigation: An inspector general review will assess whether Milley should face a military demotion.
- Tensions with Trump: Milley opposed Trump’s domestic force proposals and made calls to China in 2021.
- Criticism of Trump: In his retirement speech, Milley warned against loyalty to a “wannabe dictator.”
- Portraits Removed: The Pentagon has also removed Milley’s official chairman portrait.
Trump’s Pentagon Strips Gen. Milley of Security Clearance, Launches Inquiry
Deep Look
Former Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman Gen. Mark Milley has been stripped of his security clearance and protective detail, the latest move by the Trump administration to take action against critics within the military establishment. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also ordered a Pentagon inspector general review into Milley’s conduct during his tenure, with the possibility of demoting him in rank.
Pentagon spokesman John Ullyot confirmed the move, stating that the review will examine “the facts and circumstances surrounding Gen. Milley’s conduct” to determine whether reopening his military grade review is warranted.
Milley was informed of the decision Tuesday, marking a dramatic turn for the retired general, who has been both a top military adviser and a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump.
A Tense History with Trump
Milley, who served as Joint Chiefs chairman from 2019 to 2023, initially had a strong relationship with Trump but quickly became one of his most outspoken critics.
Key points of tension included:
- Opposition to Domestic Military Deployment: Milley opposed Trump’s consideration of using military force to suppress protests after George Floyd’s death in 2020.
- Unauthorized China Calls: In 2021, Milley made direct calls to his Chinese counterpart to assure Beijing the U.S. was stable amid post-election turmoil. Trump accused him of treason, though Milley defended the calls as standard military protocol.
- Retirement Speech Criticism: In September 2023, Milley delivered a farewell speech that many saw as a direct rebuke of Trump. “We don’t take an oath to a wannabe dictator,” he said.
These moments cemented Milley’s status as a political adversary of Trump, making him a target for reprisal once Trump returned to office.
Hegseth: Restoring “Accountability” in the Military
Hegseth’s chief of staff, Joe Kasper, said Milley’s clearance and detail were revoked because “undermining the chain of command is corrosive to our national security.” He emphasized that the Defense Department under Trump is committed to “restoring accountability.”
In addition to Milley’s security revocation, the Pentagon has removed his official chairman portrait, continuing a broader effort to erase Milley’s legacy.
The moves were first reported by Fox News, with additional reports suggesting that Milley’s Army chief of staff portrait could also be taken down.
Political and Military Fallout
While Milley’s critics in Trump’s administration see the decision as justice for a disloyal officer, his supporters argue that revoking his clearance and reviewing his rank is unprecedented and politically motivated.
Democrats and military officials are expected to challenge the legality of the moves, raising concerns about political purges within the military.
The Pentagon’s inspector general review will determine whether Milley could face posthumous disciplinary action, a rare but possible consequence if Trump’s administration seeks further action against him.
Key Takeaways
- Security Clearance Revoked: Milley’s access to classified material has been suspended.
- Pentagon Inquiry Ordered: The review may lead to Milley’s demotion for actions taken under Trump.
- Portraits Removed: The Pentagon continues to erase Milley’s legacy from military institutions.
- Trump-Milley Feud Escalates: The decision marks a clear retaliation for Milley’s past criticisms of Trump.
With this latest action, Trump’s administration is asserting control over the military while cracking down on critics within its ranks.
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