Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth launches investigation into Gen. Mark Milley, revoking security clearances and protection detail, potentially impacting his military rank and legacy.
Key Takeaways
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has revoked Gen. Mark Milley’s security clearance and protection detail.
- An investigation has been ordered to determine if Milley should be demoted for allegedly undermining the chain of command.
- The Pentagon is removing portraits of Milley, fueling speculation about the investigation’s scope.
- Milley’s controversial interactions with China during Trump’s presidency are central to the investigation.
- The situation is compounded by ongoing threats from Iran related to Milley’s involvement in a 2020 drone strike.
Pentagon Launches Investigation into Gen. Milley
In a significant move, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has initiated an investigation into retired Gen. Mark Milley, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The probe centers on Milley’s actions during his tenure, particularly his controversial communications with China during the Trump administration. This development has led to the immediate revocation of Milley’s security clearance and the removal of his protection detail.
The investigation’s scope extends beyond security measures, with the Pentagon’s Inspector General tasked to review whether Milley should be demoted in rank upon formal retirement. This unprecedented action against a former top military official has sent shockwaves through Washington and military circles.
🚨MASSIVE BREAKING:
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has REVOKED General Mark Milley's security detail and security clearance.
Hegseth is now planning on DEMOTING the General.
Hegseth also ordered the removal of all Pentagon portraits of Milley.
Total Humiliation pic.twitter.com/ZtKpzyw2n9
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) January 28, 2025
Chain of Command and National Security Concerns
At the heart of this investigation are allegations that Milley may have disrupted the chain of command during his service. The Pentagon’s chief of staff, Joe Kasper, emphasized the gravity of these concerns, stating:
“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.”
This statement underscores the administration’s commitment to maintaining strict adherence to military protocols and the potential consequences for those perceived to have violated them.
Milley’s Controversial Past and Trump Relationship
The roots of this investigation trace back to Milley’s tenure under President Trump. Appointed as Joint Chiefs chair in 2018, Milley’s relationship with Trump soured over several issues, including the response to the George Floyd protests and the January 6 Capitol riots. The situation escalated when reports emerged of Milley’s calls to his Chinese counterpart, allegedly without Trump’s knowledge, raising questions about the proper channels of military communication.
These actions have been a point of contention, with Trump labeling them as treasonous, while Milley defended them as routine communications aimed at maintaining stability.
Implications for Milley’s Legacy
The investigation’s potential outcomes could have far-reaching effects on Milley’s military legacy. The removal of his portraits from the Pentagon, including one from the Marshall Corridor, signals a possible erasure of his contributions from the military’s visual history. Moreover, the review of his rank could result in an unprecedented demotion of a retired top military official.
As the investigation unfolds, the military and political communities are closely watching. The outcome may set new precedents for accountability in the highest echelons of military leadership and redefine the boundaries of civil-military relations in the United States.
