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By Michael D. Carroll
Breaking News Editor
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has revoked the security protections and clearance of retired Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Mark Milley and has ordered a Pentagon inspector general review to assess whether a demotion is warranted, two defense officials confirmed Tuesday.
Why It Matters
Pentagon spokesman John Ullyot stated that the inspector general review will examine "the facts and circumstances surrounding Gen. Milley's conduct" to help Hegseth decide whether to reopen Milley's military grade review. The inquiry could potentially lead to a demotion, further escalating tensions over the former Joint Chiefs Chairman's legacy.
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The move marks an unprecedented step against a former top military officer and signals a sharp shift in Pentagon leadership under the new administration.
Newsweek has contacted Gen. Milley for comment by email on Wednesday via the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
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What To Know
Milley served as chairman of the Joint Chiefs during President Donald Trump's first term. While their relationship started off strong, it quickly deteriorated as Milley sought to advise and at times restrain Trump on key issues, leading to deep tensions between the two.
How Did Milley Clash With Trump?
Milley opposed Trump's interest in using military force to suppress protests following George Floyd's death and later found himself at the center of controversy in 2021 for independently contacting his Chinese counterpart. Trump denounced the calls as treason, while Milley defended them as routine and within his duties as Joint Chiefs Chairman.
Is Milley Still Estranged From Trump?
In his final days as Joint Chiefs Chairman, after Trump had left office, Milley remained outspoken about his former commander-in-chief, further straining their relationship.
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What People Are Saying
Retired Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Mark Milley said at his official retirement ceremony "We don't take an oath to a king or a queen or to a tyrant or a dictator. And we don't take an oath to a wannabe dictator." He added "We don't take an oath to an individual. We take an oath to the Constitution, and we take an oath to the idea that is America, and we're willing to die to protect it."
Hegseth's chief of staff Joe Kasper said that the decision to strip Milley of his clearance and detail was taken because "undermining the chain of command is corrosive to our national security, and restoring accountability is a priority for the Defense Department under President Trump's leadership."
Pentagon spokesman John Ullyot said "The Secretary informed General Milley today that he is revoking the authorization for his security detail and suspending his security clearance as well."
What Happens Next
The actions, first reported by Fox News, may also include removing Milley's Army chief of staff portrait. His chairman portrait was already taken down just hours after Trump's inauguration. Both portraits were funded by a donation from the Association of the United States Army, rather than taxpayer dollars, as a tribute to Milley's service.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press
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