Trump Administration Revokes Gen. Milley's Security Clearance Amid Ongoing Tensions

The Pentagon has revoked the security detail and clearance of former General Mark Milley, a decision made by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Milley's past criticisms of Trump and contentious remarks have fueled the Biden administration's preemptive pardons, highlighting ongoing tensions between the military and former officials.

The Pentagon has taken a significant step by revoking the security detail and clearance of General Mark Milley, a former top US general known for his outspoken criticism of former President Donald Trump. The directive came from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who made it one of his initial moves since taking office, instigating further scrutiny into Milley's conduct and military standing.

Gen. Milley previously held the position of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff during Trump's first presidency but became a target for controversy due to direct criticisms of the former commander-in-chief. Trump's accusations against Milley included labeling him a "traitor" for phone conversations he had with his Chinese counterpart amid national unrest following the Capitol riot in 2021. These calls reportedly aimed to assure China that the US would not initiate a nuclear strike. Trump vehemently condemned these interactions on social media, claiming that they would have warranted death penalties in earlier times.

In the book "War" by journalist Bob Woodward, Milley's stark comments about Trump were revealed, describing him as "fascist to the core" and labeling him as a significant threat to the United States. During his farewell address as Chairman, Milley explicitly stated that the military is not obligated to serve a "wannabe dictator," further underlining his stand against Trump.

As Trump resumed his presidency, outgoing leader Joe Biden had preemptively pardoned Milley and several other former officials, including Dr. Anthony Fauci, to protect them from potential retribution. Biden's statement emphasized that these pardons should not be perceived as an admission of wrongdoing by those covered, a move Milley embraced to avoid unnecessary conflict for himself and his loved ones.

The confirmation of Gen. Milley's clearance revocation came via a statement relayed to CBS News, with an announcement that the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General would look into the circumstances surrounding Milley's conduct, paving the way for a possible review of his military grade.

Along with Milley, Trump's administration has rescinded security privileges for other former officials, including ex-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and ex-National Security Adviser John Bolton, as part of a broader strategy to assert control over his former circle. Notably, a portrait of Milley was also removed from the Pentagon shortly after Trump's second inauguration, further illustrating the rift between the current administration and some of its former members.