Secretary of Defense Hegseth has Stripped Gen Milley’s Security Detail, Security Clearance

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WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 29: Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff retired Gen. Mark Milley attends a ceremony as the remains of retired Army Col. Ralph Puckett lie in honor during his congressional tribute in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol on April 29, 2024 in Washington, DC. One of the U.S. Army's most highly decorated servicemen, Puckett died at his home in Columbus, Georgia on April 8, 2024 at the age of 97. He was belatedly awarded the Medal of Honor in May 2021 by President Joe Biden for his exploits during the Korean War. Puckett was wounded leading a company of outnumbered Army Rangers in a battle against Communist Chinese troops. (Photo by J. Scott Applewhite - Pool/Getty Images)

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has informed former Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Mark Milley that his security clearance and protective detail are being revoked. Additionally, a review of Milley’s conduct has been initiated to assess whether his military rank should be reconsidered, according to a statement from the Pentagon, reports NBC News.

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On his first official day in office, Hegseth directed the Department of Defense’s inspector general to investigate the circumstances surrounding Milley’s actions. Pentagon spokesperson John Ullyot stated that this review will help determine if reopening Milley’s military grade assessment is warranted.

The statement did not specify the reasons behind these actions. However, Defense Department Chief of Staff Joe Kasper emphasized the importance of maintaining the chain of command, stating that any efforts to undermine it threaten national security. He further noted that restoring accountability remains a top priority under President Trump’s administration.

Milley has not yet issued a public response to the review. He previously served as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under both President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. During Trump’s first term, Milley found himself in disagreement with the administration on several occasions.

In 2020, Milley publicly apologized for accompanying Trump to a widely criticized photo-op near the White House, which followed the forceful removal of protesters demonstrating during the Black Lives Matter after the death of George Floyd.

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Additionally, toward the end of Trump’s presidency, Milley made direct contact with China’s military leadership, assuring them that the United States had no plans for military aggression. These communications followed intelligence reports suggesting that China feared a potential U.S. attack.

Milley was also a key figure in the horrendously botched U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan under Biden’s leadership. He and other senior military officials later testified that they had advised the president to maintain a small troop presence beyond the withdrawal deadline.

Hours before Trump’s recent inauguration, Milley was included in a series of preemptive pardons issued by Biden. According to Biden, this measure was intended to shield Milley from political retribution under the new administration.

Last week, a portrait of Milley was removed from the Pentagon’s walls. Additionally, his portrait as Army Chief of Staff was taken down, with the wall patched and repainted.

Milley has also faced allegations of treason due to his communications with China, where he reportedly assured Chinese officials that he would provide advance warning of any U.S. military action. This revelation, detailed in the book “Peril” by Bob Woodward and Robert Costa, has led Trump and his allies to condemn Milley’s actions as a betrayal of national security.

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