Pentagon removed Milley’s security clearance details; The Secretary general of Defense Pete Hegseth has nullify the security detail and clearance for retired Gen. Mark Milley, which has made him the latest high-level officer to face attack from President Donald Trump for going against his directives.
The defense general “Hegseth” has also directed the Pentagon’s acting inspector general to start an investigation into whether the former Joint Chiefs of Staff turned the chain of command, which could have lead to the four-star generals getting demoted to three-star rank
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Pentagon removed Milley’s security clearance details; The Pentagon has officially revoked retired General Mark Milley’s security clearance and security detail, a move spearheaded by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
This action is part of a broader investigation into Milley’s conduct during his tenure as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, particularly his actions during the final months of President Donald Trump’s administration.
Background Decision of Pete Hegseth
Pentagon removed Milley’s security clearance details; General Mark Milley served as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from October 2019 to September 2023.
His tenure was marked by high-profile incidents, including his controversial communications with Chinese military officials and his public statements about Trump’s behavior during the final days of his presidency. Milley reportedly contacted his Chinese counterpart, General Li Zuocheng, twice in 2020 to assure him that the United States would not launch a surprise attack, a move that critics claim was outside the bounds of his authority.
Additionally, Milley was involved in internal discussions about preventing Trump from potentially misusing military power following the 2020 election. These actions, later revealed in books and media reports, were seen by Trump allies as a challenge to civilian control of the military.
Hegseth’s Justification on nullifying Gen. Mark Milley
Pentagon removed Milley’s security clearance details; Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News commentator and Army National Guard veteran, was appointed as Secretary of Defense under Trump’s second administration.
Upon taking office, he launched a review of Milley’s actions, leading to the revocation of his security clearance and detail. Hegseth argued that Milley had violated the principles of military loyalty and chain of command.
Hegseth quoted and Said”
“No one in our armed forces is above the Constitution and the authority of our elected civilian leadership. General Milley’s actions undermined the integrity of the chain of command and set a dangerous precedent.”
The Potential outcome and Investigation of Mark Milley
Pentagon removed Milley’s security clearance details; The Pentagon’s decision to strip Milley of his security clearance means he will no longer have access to classified military information.
Furthermore, he will no longer receive federal security protection, a privilege often extended to high-ranking military officials post-retirement.
Additionally, an investigation is underway to determine whether Milley should be demoted from a four-star general to a three-star general. A demotion would affect his retirement pay and military legacy.
Reactions and Political Impact of Milley Security clearance
The decision has sparked strong reactions from both supporters and critics. Trump loyalists view the move as a necessary step in restoring military discipline and ensuring that officers do not act independently of civilian oversight.
However, critics argue that this is a politically motivated attack on a respected military leader. Many see the action as a warning to other military officials who might oppose Trump’s policies in the future.
Former Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin defended Milley, stating:
“General Milley served with honor and integrity. His commitment to the Constitution and the American people was unwavering.”
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The Portrait of Gen. Mark Milley in the office was removed.
As the constitution demands, Milley’s official portrait has also been removed from the Pentagon, further illustrating the administration’s stance against him by US Govt.
Broader Context: Security Details Revoked for Other Officials
Milley is not the only former official to lose security protection under the Trump administration. Security details for former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and former National Security Adviser John Bolton were also revoked, despite credible threats against them from Iran.
This has raised concerns about the safety of former officials who played key roles in national security.
Conclusion
Pentagon removed Milley’s security clearance details; The Pentagon’s revocation of General Mark Milley’s security clearance and detail marks a significant moment in U.S. civil-military relations. While supporters see it as a justified response to Milley’s controversial actions, critics view it as political retaliation.
The ongoing investigation into a possible demotion could have lasting implications for Milley’s legacy and for future military leadership in the United States.
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