Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has taken the unprecedented step of revoking the security detail and security clearance for Gen. Mark Milley, the former top US general who has been a frequent target of President Donald Trump. Hegseth, in only his second full day on the job, has also ordered an investigation into Milley's conduct to determine if a review of his rank is necessary. The specific conduct that prompted this action has not been disclosed.
Gen. Milley's portrait as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff was removed from the Pentagon shortly after Trump's inauguration last week. The strained relationship between Milley and Trump escalated, with Milley publicly criticizing Trump and their disagreements coming to a head over phone calls with the Chinese counterpart and the withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Trump has accused Milley of treason for the phone calls and criticized his handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal. The Defense Department's chief of staff emphasized the importance of maintaining the chain of command and restoring accountability under President Trump's leadership.
Former President Joe Biden issued a blanket pardon for Milley on his last morning in office, protecting him from prosecution under criminal and military law. Milley expressed gratitude for the pardon and reaffirmed his commitment to serving the country.
Trump's actions, including firing inspectors general from federal agencies and revoking security details for officials like John Bolton, Mike Pompeo, and Dr. Anthony Fauci, have been seen as part of a broader effort to carry out political retribution.
