Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced the immediate withdrawal of the personal security detail assigned to retired General Mark Milley.
This decision precedes an inspector general investigation into allegations that Milley may have taken actions undermining the chain of command during President Trump’s first term, which could lead to a possible demotion in his retired rank.
Fox News reported that the Pentagon will also remove a second portrait of Milley from its premises, following the earlier removal of another portrait shortly after President Trump’s inauguration.
A senior Trump administration official commented on these actions, stating, “There is a new era of accountability in the Defense Department under President Trump’s leadership—and that’s exactly what the American people expect.”
The Post Millennial (TPM) reported that General Milley served as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 2019 to 2023, under both the Trump and Biden administrations.
Despite his tenure under President Trump, tensions between the two have been well-documented.
In his writings, journalist Bob Woodward recounted Milley’s concerns about Trump’s mental stability and control over nuclear weapons.
Woodward also noted that Milley described Trump as “fascist to the core!” during a reception.
TPM highlighted that in the final days of his presidency, President Biden issued a preemptive pardon for Milley.
President Trump dismissed Milley along with several other top officials who had served under the Biden administration upon assuming office, however, per TPM.
The current investigation will examine whether Milley’s actions during Trump’s first term constituted an undermining of the chain of command.
If sufficient evidence is found, it could result in Milley being stripped of a star in retirement, effectively demoting him.
This development follows a series of actions by the Trump administration concerning former officials’ security details.
The White House recently reaffirmed President Trump’s decision to revoke security details from former National Security Advisor John Bolton, ex-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and former U.S. Special Representative for Iran Brian Hook.
Despite criticism from some quarters, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Trump believes taxpayer funds should not cover lifelong security for ex-officials.
The removal of Milley’s portraits from the Pentagon marks a symbolic shift.
The first portrait was taken down within hours of Trump’s inauguration, a move considered unprecedented due to the traditionally apolitical nature of military leadership.
The removal of the second portrait is anticipated imminently.
As the inspector general’s investigation proceeds, the potential implications for Milley’s legacy and the broader military community remain significant.
The outcome could set a precedent for how actions perceived as undermining the chain of command are addressed in the future.
Pete Hegseth assumed leadership of the Pentagon on Saturday in a historic confirmation secured by a razor-thin margin, Resist the Mainstream reported.
Hegseth’s confirmation came through Vice President J.D. Vance’s tie-breaking vote, culminating in a 51-50 victory that drew both controversy and celebration.
“It’s not the first time the headline reads ‘Junior Enlisted Marine Bails Out Junior Army Officer,’” Hegseth quipped during his inaugural address, acknowledging both his and Vance’s military backgrounds.
The jest drew laughter from the audience, including a visible reaction from the vice president himself, momentarily lightening the atmosphere of what had been a tense political battle.
