The Pentagon has revoked the security detail and clearance of retired General Mark Milley, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in a striking move that underscores the deepening political divide between him and former President Donald Trump. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the decision as one of his first actions in office, launching an investigation into Milley’s conduct and reviewing his military rank.
Milley, who served as the nation’s highest-ranking military officer during Trump’s first term, became an outspoken critic after leaving office. In journalist Bob Woodward’s book War, Milley described Trump as “fascist to the core” and “the most dangerous person to this country.” His final speech as chairman further fueled tensions when he declared that the military took an oath to the Constitution, “not to a wannabe dictator,” a remark widely interpreted as a direct attack on Trump.
Tensions between Trump and Milley date back to the final days of Trump’s first term. Milley secretly reassured his Chinese counterpart that the U.S. would not launch a nuclear strike amid post-election turmoil and the January 6th Capitol riot. Trump publicly accused him of treason, calling the calls “an act so egregious that, in times gone by, the punishment would have been DEATH!” Milley defended his actions, testifying that they were coordinated with top defense officials.
Since returning to the White House, Trump has swiftly moved against former officials who challenged him. Alongside Milley, he has stripped security protections from Dr. Anthony Fauci, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and ex-National Security Adviser John Bolton. A statement from the Pentagon justified Milley’s removal by citing concerns over “undermining the chain of command” and pledged to “restore accountability under President Trump’s leadership.”
Recognizing the possibility of political retaliation, President Joe Biden issued a preemptive pardon for Milley and several other officials before leaving office. Biden emphasized that the move was not an admission of wrongdoing but an effort to prevent “unjust retribution for perceived slights.” Milley expressed gratitude, stating he wished to avoid spending his life fighting legal battles.
In a final symbolic blow, Trump’s officials ordered Milley’s portrait to be removed from the Pentagon within hours of the new administration’s inauguration. The move signals a clear intent to erase Milley’s legacy from military leadership while Trump reshapes the Pentagon in his second term. With investigations now underway, the battle over Milley’s reputation and Trump’s military agenda is far from over.
