Immediate Removal of Security Detail

In a notable shift in military protocol, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has decided to “immediately pull” retired General Mark Milley’s personal security detail and revoke his security clearance. This decision comes amid ongoing scrutiny of Milley’s actions during his tenure as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under both President Trump and President Biden.

Review Board for Potential Consequences

According to multiple senior administration officials, Secretary Hegseth is instructing the newly appointed acting Inspector General to conduct a thorough review board. This board will assess whether there is sufficient evidence to consider stripping Gen. Milley of his rank, following accusations of actions that allegedly “undermine the chain of command.” This inquiry is expected to scrutinize Milley’s conduct during Trump’s presidency.

Removing Military Honors

In addition to personal security changes, the Pentagon will remove a second portrait of Gen. Milley located in the Army’s Marshall Corridor. This removal signifies a broader move to distance the current Defense Department from Milley’s legacy, marking the end of any visual tribute to his service inside the Pentagon.

The first portrait, which honored the former top military officer’s service, was taken down on Inauguration Day last week, shortly after President Trump was sworn in.

Context of Security Changes

Since the tense aftermath of the U.S. drone strike that killed Iranian general Qasem Soleimani, both retired Gen. Milley and other senior Trump aides had been afforded personal security details. This was a protective measure following Iranian threats of retaliation. However, the current administration appears to be recalibrating security protocols as a sign of a new era of accountability.

During a recent broadcast of “Fox News Sunday,” Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton expressed his hopes that President Trump might reconsider the removal of protective security details for other former officials, including John Bolton and Mike Pompeo, who served under Trump.

A Shift in Defense Department Leadership

A senior administration official, who requested anonymity, indicated that the changes reflect a broader shift in the Defense Department under President Trump’s leadership, emphasizing that the American public expects “a new era of accountability.” This statement underscores a desire for transparency and responsibility in military leadership.

The Legacy of Gen. Milley

Gen. Milley served as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 2019 to 2023, a crucial position that spanned two presidential administrations. Previously, he also held the title of Army Chief of Staff from 2015 to 2019. His tenure was marked by significant events, including the fallout from the U.S.’s withdrawal from Afghanistan and controversial statements regarding President Trump.

In his recently released book, “War,” journalist Bob Woodward quoted Gen. Milley expressing deep concerns about Trump’s leadership style, stating he believed Trump was “fascist to the core!” This was reportedly a remark made while Milley was still serving in uniform. Woodward elaborated that Milley had previously shared his apprehensions concerning Trump’s mental stability and control over nuclear weapons.

Milley’s Transition During Trump’s Presidency

Interestingly, Gen. Milley received praise from President Trump when U.S. Special Operations Forces successfully killed the ISIS leader during a covert raid in Syria in 2019. Trump publicly thanked Milley and the Joint Chiefs of Staff for their critical role in that operation, reflecting the complexities of military leadership during times of significant national security challenges.

Before leaving office, President Joe Biden granted a pardon to Gen. Milley, further complicating the narrative surrounding his military service and political entanglements.

Concerns Over Military Communication

Amid the changing political landscape, it was revealed that Milley had reached out to his Chinese counterpart on two occasions during the final months of Trump’s presidency. These communications were intended to reassure China that the U.S. military had no plans to strike. Such actions have drawn both attention and criticism, as they reflect the intricate dynamics of military diplomacy during a turbulent political climate.