Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is removing General Mark A. Milley, the retired chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, from his security detail and revoking his security clearance. He will also face an inspector general inquiry into Milley’s record. This move follows Trump’s influence on Milley during his tenure, including his support for Iran’s Supreme Leader and attendance at a political event with Trump in 2020 after tear gas and rubber bullets cleared the area of protesters.
Milley, promoted to chairman by Trump in 2019 despite warnings about potential coup attempts, has faced criticism for attending a photo op alongside Trump during the Iran deal. Meanwhile, Trump’s supporters have criticized Milley for contacts with Chinese officials during his first term.
As Defense Secretary, Hegseth has been a vocal critic of Milley, accusing him of splitting from Trump over political reasons. The Pentagon is now taking steps to assess whether Milley should retain his rank upon retirement or face demotion due to security concerns and Trump’s influence.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/28/us/politics/trump-pentagon-milley-security.html