Following Donald Trump's return to power, the Pentagon has rescinded the security clearance and protections for retired General Mark Milley, a notable critic of the former president. This decision aligns with previous actions against various officials who had clashed with Trump, signaling a shift in military oversight and accountability.
Pentagon Revokes Security Clearance for Retired General Mark Milley Amid Trump Administration Changes
Pentagon Revokes Security Clearance for Retired General Mark Milley Amid Trump Administration Changes
The Pentagon's decision to strip Gen. Mark Milley of his security detail and clearance is seen as part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration to hold accountable officials critical of the former president.
The Pentagon has taken the significant step of revoking the security clearance and detail for retired General Mark Milley, a former high-ranking military leader who has been vocally critical of President Donald Trump. This decision was made under the directive of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who has initiated an investigation into Milley’s "conduct" and is reviewing his military rank as one of his first official acts.
Gen. Milley, who served as the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff during Trump's presidency, has faced backlash from Trump since making critical remarks about his leadership style, including describing him as a "fascist." Such tensions were particularly heightened after it was revealed that during the chaotic days following the 2021 Capitol riot, Milley held discussions with his Chinese counterpart to reassure Beijing about the U.S. stance on military actions. Trump labeled Milley’s communications "treasonous" and threatened severe repercussions.
This pattern of revocation is not limited to Milley; it follows a similar fate for other officials like former health advisor Anthony Fauci, all of whom have incurred Trump’s ire. Trump's administration has previously accused Milley of undermining the command structure, with a fresh emphasis on restoring military accountability. Hegseth noted that actions perceived as diminishing the integrity of the command hierarchy could jeopardize national security.
In a notable preemptive measure, outgoing President Joe Biden issued pardon-like protections for Milley and others like Fauci, intended to shield them from potential retaliatory actions that could arise with a renewed Trump administration. Milley expressed appreciation for this protective gesture, emphasizing his disinterest in engaging in protracted conflicts with those seeking retaliation for perceived grievances.
This recent shift to revoke Milley's security status has been confirmed through multiple official communications, indicating that an inquiry into his conduct will be established to assess whether his military grade review should be reconsidered. The move echoes broader actions taken by Trump’s administration against other former top officials and underscores an ongoing tension between military leaders who have challenged Trump and his core supporters.
