Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has revoked the security protections and clearance of retired General Mark Milley, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Hegseth has also instructed the Pentagon’s inspector general to conduct a review of Milley’s actions during his tenure as the nation’s top uniformed officer to determine if a demotion is necessary.
Pentagon spokesman John Ullyot confirmed that the inspector general will investigate the facts and circumstances surrounding Milley’s conduct, which will help the Secretary decide whether to reopen the review of his military rank.
Hegseth notified Milley that his security detail and security clearance were being suspended. Milley served as chairman during President Donald Trump’s first term. While their relationship began well, tensions rose quickly as Milley sought to advise and manage the president on various matters.
General Mark Milley disagreed with President Trump’s interest in using force domestically to address protests following George Floyd’s death. He was also at the center of a major controversy in 2021 when he made independent calls to his Chinese counterpart. Trump criticized these calls as an act of treason, but Milley defended his actions, stating that the calls were routine and part of his responsibilities as chairman.
In his final days as chairman, after Trump had left office, General Milley continued to speak out about his former boss. During his retirement ceremony, Milley emphasized, “We don’t take an oath to a king, queen, tyrant, or dictator. We don’t take an oath to a wannabe dictator.” He further stated, “We don’t take an oath to an individual. We take an oath to the Constitution and to the ideals of America, and we are willing to die to protect them.”
Joe Kasper, Chief of Staff to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, explained that the decision to revoke Milley’s security clearance and detail was based on the belief that “undermining the chain of command is corrosive to national security,” and that restoring accountability is a key priority for the Defense Department under President Trump’s leadership.
The actions, initially reported by Fox News, could also involve removing General Milley’s portrait as Army chief of staff. Milley’s portrait as chairman was taken down shortly after President Trump’s inauguration. Both portraits, funded by a donation from the Association of the United States Army rather than taxpayer money, were a gift to Milley in recognition of his service.
