Pete Hegseth revokes Mark Milley's security clearance and detail

In a significant move, newly appointed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has made the decision to revoke retired General Mark Milley's security detail and security clearance, as confirmed by the Pentagon. This action follows a series of controversies involving Milley during his tenure as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, a position he held from 2019 to 2023 under Presidents Donald Trump and Joe Biden. Milley's actions during Trump's presidency came under scrutiny, particularly concerning secret communications with Chinese officials that certain Trump loyalists perceived as undermining the chain of command. The backdrop of this revocation is marked by tensions between Milley and Trump, which peaked in the waning months of Trump's presidency and continued to resonate beyond his term. Trump and some of his supporters accused Milley of treason, particularly after revelations of his assurances to China regarding U.S. military actions. As a measure of accountability, Hegseth has directed the Defense Department's Inspector General to investigate Milley's conduct, with the potential for determining whether he should lose rank, specifically the four-star insignia he holds in retirement. Additionally, Hegseth's decision includes an instruction to remove all portraits of Milley, aligning with a broader stance to restore accountability in the U.S. military leadership. This strategic shift underscores Hegseth's intent to solidify defense protocol under his direction and remove any vestiges associated with previous administrations that could be viewed as politically motivated. After Milley's involvement in a controversial photo op near St. John's Church, which followed federal actions to clear protesters from Lafayette Park, his relationship with Trump soured, leading to public disputes over Milley's insistence on maintaining military integrity amidst political pressures. As tensions in the U.S. military escalated under the unique circumstances of Trump's presidency, the removal of Milley's security privileges serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing fallout from that period of political upheaval and division within military and political ranks.