Pentagon Removes General Milley’s Security Detail and Revokes His Clearance

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has informed Gen. Mark A. Milley, the retired chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, that he is removing his security detail, revoking his security clearance, and initiating an inspector general inquiry into his record, as announced by the Pentagon on Tuesday evening.

Mr. Hegseth’s spokesperson, John Ullyot, stated that the secretary has ordered the investigation to determine whether it is appropriate to review General Milley’s rank upon retirement, given his actions during his tenure, where he stood up to President Trump. Essentially, Mr. Hegseth is questioning whether General Milley should be demoted.

Mollie Halpern, a spokeswoman for the acting Defense Department inspector general, confirmed that they have received the request and are currently reviewing it. The inquiry will focus on General Milley’s actions while serving as chairman.

During his retirement ceremony in 2023, General Milley emphasized to troops that their allegiance is to the Constitution and not to a dictator. Senior Pentagon officials are portraying General Milley as an insubordinate political figure during his time as chairman.

“Undermining the chain of command is detrimental to our national security, and restoring accountability is a priority for the Defense Department under President Trump’s leadership,” stated Joe Kasper, Mr. Hegseth’s chief of staff, on Tuesday.

General Milley was unavailable for comment on Tuesday.

Just before General Milley’s retirement ceremony, President Trump suggested that the general had committed treason and should face death penalty.

In response to ongoing threats from President Trump, General Milley received a preemptive pardon from President Biden just hours before leaving office. The possibility of reducing his rank, even in retirement, exists based on the findings of the inquiry.

General Milley and other former Trump administration officials had government security details due to threats following the U.S. drone strike that killed Iranian general Qassim Suleimani in 2020.

Two Republican Senate allies of President Trump have urged him to reconsider his decision to remove security details from former advisers targeted by Iran, citing potential negative impacts on current aides’ effectiveness.

Senator Tom Cotton and Senator Lindsey Graham spoke out after President Trump discontinued government security protection for three officials involved in his Iran policy from his first term.

Fox News initially reported Mr. Hegseth’s actions to revoke General Milley’s security detail and launch an inspector general review.

As the new defense secretary, Mr. Hegseth has been critical of General Milley.

The rift between General Milley and President Trump stemmed from his apology for involving himself in politics during the Lafayette Square incident in 2020. Additionally, General Milley faced backlash for his communication with the Chinese military.

General Milley was appointed as chairman of the Joint Chiefs by President Trump in 2019 but their relationship deteriorated over time. Concerns about a potential coup by President Trump after the 2020 election led General Milley to take steps to ensure a peaceful transfer of power.