Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has taken the unprecedented step of revoking the security protections and clearance of retired Joint Chiefs chairman Gen. Mark Milley. This decision comes as Hegseth has ordered the Pentagon's inspector general to conduct a review of Milley's actions while serving as the nation's top uniformed officer to determine if a demotion is warranted.
The inspector general's review will delve into the facts and circumstances surrounding Gen. Milley's conduct during his tenure. Pentagon spokesman John Ullyot stated that this review will assist the Secretary in determining whether it is appropriate to revisit Milley's military grade review determination.
In addition to revoking Milley's security detail and suspending his security clearance, Hegseth's chief of staff Joe Kasper emphasized that undermining the chain of command is detrimental to national security. Restoring accountability is a top priority for the Defense Department under President Trump's leadership.
Gen. Milley's relationship with President Trump during his first term in office was initially positive but deteriorated rapidly. Milley clashed with the president on various issues, including Trump's interest in using force domestically to address protests following George Floyd's death.
One of the controversies surrounding Milley occurred in 2021 when he made independent calls to his Chinese counterpart. While Trump labeled these calls as treasonous, Milley defended them as routine within the scope of his duties.
During his final days as chairman, Milley openly criticized Trump, stating that military oaths are sworn to the Constitution and the ideals of America, not to any individual leader.
The decision to strip Milley of his security clearance and detail underscores the Defense Department's commitment to upholding the chain of command and ensuring national security. The potential removal of Milley's Army chief of staff portrait, along with the previous removal of his chairman portrait, signifies a significant shift in his standing within the military hierarchy.
Both portraits were privately funded by the Association of the United States Army as a tribute to Milley's service, rather than using taxpayer dollars.
