General Mark Milley, the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has had his security clearances revoked and his military conduct under investigation, ordered by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. This decision scrutinizes Milley’s actions during the Trump administration that may have breached the military’s chain of command.
The New York Post reported that Secretary Hegseth took the decisive action of canceling Gen. Milley's security detail and suspending his security clearance as a consequence of actions taken by Milley that are seen as potentially undermining the U.S. military's command structure.
John Ullyot, the Defense Department's new spokesperson, announced this significant move, indicating a shift towards strict accountability under the Trump administration.
Despite Gen. Milley’s retirement from active service in September 2023, he continued to receive security protection due to serious threats linked to his involvement in a 2020 military operation. This operation, ordered by then-President Trump, resulted in the killing of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, heightening threats from Iran against Milley.
The Department of Defense, spurred by Hegseth’s directives, has tasked the acting inspector general to initiate a thorough investigation into Milley’s past actions. This includes an examination of whether there is sufficient ground to demote him from his previously held military rank.
General Milley’s tenure under the Trump administration was marred by several contentious episodes. Notably, his unauthorized communications with China’s military leadership raised serious concerns about his adherence to the established military protocols and respect for the presidential chain of command.
Reports from journalists Bob Woodward and Robert Costa in their 2021 book, "Peril," disclosed that Milley had reassured General Li Zuocheng of China.
In his communication, Milley stated, “The American government is stable and everything is going to be okay. We are not going to attack or conduct any kinetic operations against you,” showcasing direct dialogue with foreign military officials without presidential authorization.
These unauthorized communications have been a significant part of the discourse surrounding Milley, culminating in accusations of treason by Donald Trump. The current investigation intends to clarify the extent and impact of these actions on U.S. national security and military integrity.
In addition to revoking Milley’s security privileges and probing his military conduct, symbolic gestures such as the removal of his portraits from the Pentagon have signified a clear disassociation from Milley’s legacy. Since Trump’s inauguration on January 20, 2025, efforts have been made to physically erase traces of Milley’s influence within the Pentagon.
This move follows a similar pattern seen last week when former national security adviser John Bolton and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also had their security details withdrawn.
According to Joe Kasper, DoD chief of staff, these steps are part of a broader initiative to restore accountability and address behaviors that could weaken the foundation of U.S. national security.
The probe into Gen. Milley's actions, as Ullyot elaborated, are focused on gathering comprehensive facts and circumstances to aid the Secretary of Defense in making an informed decision about potentially reopening Milley’s military-grade review.
The ongoing investigation into General Milley’s conduct serves as a precedent in emphasizing the importance of maintaining a strict chain of command and accountability in military operations and diplomacy.
The outcome of this probe could lead to significant changes in how military activities are monitored and regulated, particularly concerning interactions with foreign military entities.
As the investigation continues, the Department of Defense remains committed to a thorough evaluation of past actions to ensure that all military personnel adhere strictly to their designated roles without overstepping their boundaries, thus safeguarding the structure and stability of the U.S. military command.