Pentagon Revokes Security Clearance for Gen Mark Milley Amid Controversy

Gen Mark Milley, the former top U.S. general, has been stripped of his security detail and clearance by the Pentagon, a move initiated by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. This decision comes in the wake of Milley's critical remarks about Donald Trump, including accusations of treason related to his communications with China during Trump’s presidency.

 

The Pentagon has officially revoked the security clearance and detail of General Mark Milley, igniting discussions about the implications of this controversial decision. This significant action, directed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, represents one of his initial tasks in his new role. He requested a thorough investigation into Gen Milley’s previous conduct and a review of his military grade.

Gen Milley served as the highest-ranking US general during Trump's initial term and has been vocal in expressing his concerns regarding Trump’s leadership style, labeling him a "fascist." The former president has previously targeted Milley, accusing him of treason following a series of phone conversations with his Chinese counterpart during the tumultuous final weeks of his presidency. These discussions reportedly aimed to assure China that no military actions, including nuclear strikes, were forthcoming from the U.S.

This controversy was further fueled when Trump characterized the conversations as "an act so egregious that, in times gone by, the punishment would have been DEATH!" In his defense, Gen Milley confirmed that those communications were conducted in coordination with other defense officials.

The tension between them escalated in Bob Woodward's recent book titled "War," in which Gen Milley described Trump as "fascist to the core" and referred to him as "the most dangerous person to this country." During what was to be his concluding address as chairman of the joint chiefs of staff in 2023, Milley emphasized that military oaths are not sworn to "wannabe dictators," which many interpreted as a pointed criticism of Trump, who initially appointed him.

In anticipation of potential reprisals from Trump upon his return to the White House, former President Joe Biden granted Gen Milley and several others, including Anthony Fauci, pre-emptive pardons. Biden clarified that these pardons should not imply any wrongdoing on the part of the recipients. In response, Gen Milley expressed gratitude for the preemptive measure, stating his desire to avoid involving his family and friends in unnecessary distress or expenses.

Recent developments have illuminated the shifting landscape within the Pentagon, with the new administration also rescinding security privileges for former officials like Mike Pompeo and John Bolton. Additionally, upon Trump’s second inauguration, a portrait of Gen Milley was removed from the Pentagon, signaling a stark turnaround in the relationship between the former president and the general.

As the Department of Defense seeks to investigate the circumstances surrounding Gen Milley's conduct, the fallout from this decision underscores the intensified interplay between military leaders and political figures in the current administration.