Pentagon revokes security detail and clearance for Trump critic General. Mark Milley

US Former General. Mark Milley | Photo: Reuters

The Pentagon has revoked the security detail and clearance of retired U.S. Army General Mark Milley, the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The decision was made by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, according to a statement from a Pentagon spokesperson on Tuesday. 

Hegseth has also ordered the Department of Defense Inspector General’s office to investigate Milley’s actions. Additionally, a review of Milley’s military rank and standing has been initiated. 

“The disruption of the chain of command poses a serious risk to our national security,” said Pentagon Chief of Staff Joe Kasper in an official statement.

Reuters was unable to immediately reach Milley’s representatives for comment. The news was first reported by Fox News on Tuesday.

Milley served as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff during former President Donald Trump’s first term but later became a vocal critic of Trump, once referring to him as a “fascist.”

On January 20, the final day of President Joe Biden’s term, Milley was among those granted a preemptive pardon. Biden defended the move, stating that Milley and others should not be subjected to “unreasonable and politically motivated” prosecution. Milley later expressed gratitude for the pardon.

Trump had previously suggested that Milley deserved the death penalty for allegedly conducting secret talks with China. Following Trump’s inauguration, Milley’s portrait was removed from the Pentagon, and according to Fox News, his second and final official portrait will also be taken down.

This latest move underscores the ongoing political divisions within the U.S. military and government, particularly concerning figures who have publicly opposed the former president.