Milley's situation underscores the ongoing political rift as the new administration takes shape.
**Pentagon Revokes Security Clearance for Ex-General Mark Milley Amid Political Tensions**
**Pentagon Revokes Security Clearance for Ex-General Mark Milley Amid Political Tensions**
The Defense Secretary's directive to investigate Milley's actions follows the former general's public criticism of Trump.
In a significant political move, the Pentagon has stripped General Mark Milley, the former top U.S. military officer, of his security detail and clearance. This decision, carried out by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, is part of a broader review into Milley's conduct following his vocal criticism of former President Donald Trump. The sweeping changes within the Department of Defense signal that the new administration is taking a hard line against figures who have openly challenged Trump's authority.
General Milley, who served as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff during Trump's first term, has been quoted calling Trump a "fascist." Tensions escalated when Trump accused Milley of treason due to phone calls he made to his Chinese counterpart during a turbulent time at the Capitol in January 2021. Trump labeled Milley's reassurances to China about preventing a nuclear strike as "egregious," leading to a fallout that has now resulted in the loss of his security measures.
Alongside Milley, other former officials—including top health advisor Anthony Fauci—have also seen their security protections revoked after conflict with the former President. This particular fallout is reminiscent of Trump's previous actions against officials he deemed unsupportive.
In anticipation of potential retaliatory measures from Trump, outgoing President Joe Biden issued preemptive pardons for Milley and several others. Biden clarified that the pardons should not imply any wrongdoing by the recipients. Milley expressed gratitude for the pardon, indicating he wished to protect his family and colleagues from the repercussions of political strife.
The Pentagon has committed to a thorough investigation of Milley's conduct, tasked to the Department of Defense's Office of Inspector General. As Trump returns to the White House, this incident marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing political discourse surrounding military leadership and civilian governance, further underscoring the divisions within the U.S. political landscape.
