Retired General Mark Milley, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is facing a significant backlash. The Pentagon, led by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, is revoking his security clearance and personal security detail. This move comes after allegations that Milley’s actions undermined the military chain of command. The decision is part of a broader review that could potentially strip Milley of his retired rank. Milley’s concerns about potential vengeance from Donald Trump, if he were to return to power, have been highlighted in recent reports. The situation reflects growing political tensions and ongoing scrutiny of military leadership.
General Milley’s Security Clearance Revoked: A Complex Web of Allegations and Actions
In a significant development, the Pentagon has announced that it will revoke the security clearance and personal security detail of retired General Mark Milley, the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. This decision, made by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, follows a thorough review that has been ongoing due to concerns about Milley’s conduct during his tenure.
Background of the Decision
The move is linked to allegations that Milley’s actions compromised the military chain of command. Specifically, there have been claims that Milley voiced concerns about potential vengeance from Donald Trump if he were to return to power. These anxieties were reportedly shared with colleagues and detailed in Bob Woodward’s upcoming book. According to Woodward, Milley expressed worries about Trump’s intentions, stating that Trump was a serious danger to the military’s impartial organization.
Woodward’s Revelations
Woodward’s book also highlights earlier instances where Trump belittled former military officers, including General Stanley McChrystal and Admiral William McRaven. Milley was instrumental in deterring Trump from taking punitive measures against these officers. Trump’s former adviser, Steve Bannon, has repeated calls for accountability, stating, “We’re gonna hold him accountable.” Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper also affirmed Trump’s intentions to court-martial senior commanders who expressed disapproval of his leadership.
Bannon’s and Esper’s Claims
The decision to revoke Milley’s security clearance underscores the seriousness of these accusations. A possible outcome of the Pentagon’s inquiry is a lowering of Milley’s retired rank. The move also includes the removal of his official portrait from the Pentagon, a symbolic gesture reflecting the depth of the controversy.
Milley’s Career and Controversies
Mark Milley has had a distinguished career in the military, serving as the 20th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under both Joe Biden and Donald Trump. His tenure was marked by growing political tensions and conflicts. One notable incident was his walk with President Trump to St. John’s Episcopal Church during the George Floyd protests, which drew sharp criticism. Milley considered resigning over this incident but ultimately decided against it, apologizing for his presence in a video recorded for his commencement address.
Accusations of Treason
Milley has faced accusations of treason from many Republicans, including Trump, who described the call to Chinese authorities following the storming of the U.S. Capitol as “an act so egregious that, in times gone by, the punishment would have been DEATH.” Milley has defended his actions, stating that he took appropriate measures to ensure his safety and the safety of his family.
1. What is the reason for revoking General Milley’s security clearance?
The reason is due to allegations that Milley’s actions undermined the military chain of command.
2. What were General Milley’s concerns about Donald Trump?
Milley voiced concerns about potential vengeance from Donald Trump if he were to return to power.
3. What did Bob Woodward’s book reveal about General Milley’s actions?
The book revealed that Milley alerted coworkers about Trump’s possible course of action and described Trump as a serious danger to the military’s impartial organization.
4. What were the outcomes of the Pentagon’s inquiry?
The outcomes include revoking Milley’s security clearance, removing his official portrait from the Pentagon, and possibly lowering his retired rank.
5. What was the St. John’s Church incident?
The incident involved Milley walking with President Trump to St. John’s Episcopal Church during the George Floyd protests, which drew sharp criticism.
6. Did General Milley consider resigning over the St. John’s Church incident?
Yes, Milley considered resigning but ultimately decided against it and apologized for his presence in a video recorded for his commencement address.
7. What were the accusations of treason against General Milley?
Accusations included breaking the chain of command and contemplating a treasonous leak of classified information to the Chinese Communist Party.
8. How did General Milley respond to the accusations of treason?
Milley stated that he took appropriate measures to ensure his safety and the safety of his family.
9. What was the role of Steve Bannon and Mark Esper in the controversy?
Steve Bannon repeated calls for accountability, and Mark Esper affirmed Trump’s intentions to court-martial senior commanders who expressed disapproval of his leadership.
10. What is the current status of General Milley’s career?
His security clearance has been revoked, and he is under review for possible further actions.
The revocation of General Mark Milley’s security clearance and personal security detail marks a significant turning point in his career. The decision reflects ongoing political tensions and controversies surrounding his actions during his tenure as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. While Milley has been a prominent figure in U.S. military leadership, the allegations against him highlight the complexities and challenges faced by military leaders in a highly politicized environment.
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