Just before leaving office, former President Joe Biden issued a pardon for retired General Mark Milley, concerned that President Donald Trump might seek “revenge” on the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Despite this pardon, Milley faces repercussions for his previous actions. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has removed Milley’s security detail and clearance, and initiated an investigation into his conduct, as confirmed by Pentagon spokesperson John Ullyot to several media outlets.
Hegseth will evaluate whether Milley deserves a demotion based on the investigation’s findings. According to officials speaking with Fox News, the general might lose a star due to efforts to “undermine the chain of command” during Trump’s initial term. Milley, who served as Trump’s top military advisor, had made calls to his Chinese counterpart, General Li Zuocheng, before the 2020 election and on January 8, 2021. He assured Zuocheng of warnings if the U.S. president decided to launch an attack.
In a 2021 Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, Milley defended his actions as attempts to “manage crisis and prevent war between great powers armed with nuclear weapons,” even as he bypassed presidential authority. He described China as “the greatest geopolitical challenge to the United States.” However, this context did little to alleviate concerns over his controversial communications.
In 2023, Donald Trump criticized Milley for his role in the Biden administration’s chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal, stating on Truth Social: “This guy turned out to be a Woke train wreck who… was actually dealing with China to give them a heads up on the thinking of the President.” Trump went as far as to call this act treasonous.
Joe Kasper, Hegseth’s chief of staff, emphasized the importance of accountability, saying, “Undermining the chain of command is corrosive to our national security.” The acting Department of Defense inspector general, Mollie Halpern, confirmed to the New York Times that they are reviewing the inquiry request.
Milley has not only upset Trump but also faced backlash from members of the current administration for his private communications with adversaries and handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal. His personal criticisms of Trump have further strained his position. Milley had labeled Trump a “wannabe dictator” and reportedly considered submitting a resignation letter during Trump’s presidency, choosing instead to “just fight him.”
A senior defense official told the Washington Post, “The ghost of General Milley shouldn’t haunt the Pentagon any more… This is all about accountability for General Milley.” The Washington Post reported that Milley was unavailable for comment.
Milley’s legacy, marked by tension and controversy, remains a topic of discussion as the investigation proceeds. His actions during a critical period in American history have led to significant scrutiny and debate over the appropriate consequences.
The unfolding developments highlight a complex intersection of military protocol and political dynamics. The ongoing investigation will determine the extent of Milley’s accountability for his actions.
As the review progresses, questions about military leadership and civilian oversight continue to surface. The implications for future military conduct and political relations are being closely watched.
While Milley’s intentions might have been to avoid conflict, the means by which he sought to achieve this have sparked widespread debate. The resolution of this inquiry is anticipated with significant interest.
The situation underscores the delicate balance between military judgment and civilian authority, a balance that is critical to national security. The outcome of Milley’s case will likely influence this dynamic moving forward.
As the investigation unfolds, the defense community and the public await further details. The repercussions for Milley could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future.
This case serves as a reminder of the intricate and often challenging relationship between military leaders and political figures. The findings of the investigation will be instrumental in shaping this narrative.
Milley’s story is a testament to the complexities of leadership at the highest levels, where decisions can have far-reaching consequences. The investigation’s conclusions will be pivotal in determining his legacy.

You must be logged in to post a comment Login