Defense Secretary Revokes Security Detail, Security Clearance for Gen. Mark Milley in Unprecedented Move
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has revoked the security detail and security clearance of General Mark Milley, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in an unprecedented move. This decision was announced in a statement from Pentagon spokesman John Ullyot, who said that Hegseth directed the department’s inspector general to launch an investigation into Milley’s “conduct” to determine whether a review of his rank is necessary.
Hegseth made this decision just two days into his new role, sparking concerns about the future of the US military. The reason for the investigation is unclear, but it is likely related to Milley’s controversial actions and statements, such as his public feud with former President Donald Trump and his criticism of the way Trump handled the withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan.
Trump was a strong supporter of Milley, but their relationship deteriorated rapidly during the latter part of the first Trump administration. In a public speech, Milley referred to Trump as a “fascist” and said that the military does not take an oath to a “wannabe dictator.” Trump had also accused Milley of treason over a pair of phone calls he made to his Chinese counterpart, which Milley claimed were coordinated with the Defense Department and other national security agencies.
Trump has also accused Milley of botching the withdrawal from Afghanistan, even though Milley opposed the withdrawal. The move to revoke Milley’s security detail and security clearance is seen as a response to the president’s desire to hold his critics accountable and restore order to the US military.
Under military law, Milley’s conduct could be reviewed and his rank could be reduced if the investigation finds that he committed wrongdoing. However, a pardon granted by former President Joe Biden in his final days in office protects Milley from prosecution under criminal law and military law. It is unclear what the outcome of the investigation will be, but the move is seen as a significant blow to the US military leader and a sign of the changing dynamics in the US military under the new administration.