The portrait of General Mark Milley, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has been removed from display at the Pentagon. The decision to take down the portrait was made by Acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller, who cited concerns about the “divisive” nature of the general’s recent actions.
The move comes amid controversy surrounding Milley’s decision to brief the House and Senate intelligence committees on his efforts to prevent a potential attack by the Chinese military during the final days of the Trump administration. Some lawmakers have accused Milley of overstepping his authority and potentially compromising national security.
The Pentagon did not provide a specific reason for removing Milley’s portrait, but a spokesperson said that the decision was made “in the interest of maintaining good order and discipline” within the military.
Milley’s removal from the Pentagon’s hall of fame is seen as a symbolic move, and it is unclear whether it will have any long-term impact on his career or reputation. However, the decision is likely to be seen as a rebuke to the general, who has been a prominent figure in the Trump administration’s foreign policy efforts.
It is worth noting that Milley’s portrait is not the only one to be removed from the Pentagon in recent years. In 2019, the portraits of several former Defense Secretaries were removed from the building, reportedly due to concerns about the cost of maintaining the artwork.