The Pentagon has stripped retired General Mark Milley, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, of his security clearance and protective detail under directives from new Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The move comes as one of the first actions by the Trump administration's Pentagon leadership, which has also ordered an investigation into Gen Milley's conduct and a review of his military grade.
Gen Milley, who served as the nation's top military officer during Trump's first term, had been openly critical of the former president. In Bob Woodward's book "War," Milley was quoted calling Trump "fascist to the core" and "the most dangerous person to this country." During his final speech as chairman in 2023, he made apparent references to Trump as a "wannabe dictator."
The Pentagon's new chief of staff justified the decision, stating that "Undermining the chain of command is corrosive to our national security." The statement referenced controversial phone calls Milley made to his Chinese counterpart during Trump's final weeks in office, which Trump had previously characterized as treasonous.
Before leaving office, President Biden issued pre-emptive pardons to Milley and several other officials, anticipating potential retribution from the incoming Trump administration. Milley expressed gratitude for the pardon, stating he wished to avoid putting his family and colleagues through "distraction, expense, and anxiety" from potential retribution.
The Defense Department has also directed its Inspector General to investigate Milley's conduct to determine if further review of his military grade is warranted. In a symbolic move, officials have removed Milley's portrait from the Pentagon, where it had hung in recognition of his role as Joint Chiefs chairman.
The administration has similarly revoked security protections for other former officials, including Anthony Fauci, Mike Pompeo, John Bolton, and Brian Hook.