By Don Terry | Thursday, January 30, 2025 | 3 min read
In his first week back in office, President Donald Trump wasted no time making good on his promises of political retribution. One of his administration’s first major moves was targeting Gen. Mark Milley, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who had often clashed with Trump during his first term.
On Tuesday, newly appointed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth revoked Milley’s security clearance and withdrew his security detail—a highly unusual step for a retired top military leader. Pentagon spokesman John Ullyot confirmed the decision, which is widely seen as a direct punishment for Milley’s past criticism of Trump. In addition, Hegseth ordered an inspector general investigation into Milley’s conduct to determine whether a review of his rank was warranted. However, the statement did not specify what allegations or concerns led to this decision.
The move comes just days after Trump’s inauguration, during which administration officials also removed Milley’s official portrait from the Pentagon’s halls. As of Tuesday, a second portrait from his tenure as Army chief of staff remained on display.
Trump originally appointed Milley as the top U.S. general in 2018, but their relationship quickly soured, particularly in the final months of Trump’s first term. Milley publicly distanced himself from Trump after the controversial clearing of protesters in Lafayette Square in 2020, later calling Trump a “fascist.” In his farewell speech in 2023, Milley made a pointed remark that the military swears an oath to the Constitution—not to a “wannabe dictator.” While he didn’t mention Trump by name, the reference was unmistakable.
One of the most contentious points between the two was Milley’s communication with China’s top general in 2020, reassuring Beijing that the U.S. would not launch an unprovoked attack. Trump accused Milley of treason for these calls, going as far as to suggest on social media that the offense was worthy of execution. Milley, for his part, testified that the calls were authorized and coordinated with the Defense Department and national security officials.
Another major flashpoint was the Afghanistan withdrawal. Though Milley had opposed pulling U.S. troops out, Trump still blamed him for what he called a botched exit.
Biden’s Last-Minute Pardon
On his final morning in office, former President Joe Biden preemptively issued a blanket pardon for Milley, anticipating Trump’s plans for political vengeance. In a statement, Biden praised Milley’s decades of service, highlighting his dedication to protecting democracy. Milley, in response, expressed gratitude for the pardon, emphasizing his lifelong commitment to serving the nation and upholding the Constitution.
While Biden’s pardon shields Milley from criminal prosecution, the inspector general’s investigation could still have consequences. If wrongdoing is found, Milley could see his rank downgraded, affecting his pension and legacy.
Meanwhile, in a sweeping Friday night purge, Trump also fired more than a dozen inspectors general across federal agencies, including the Department of Defense, without providing Congress with the required 30-day notice. Inspectors general are tasked with independently investigating misconduct, fraud, and abuse within the government, making their sudden removal a striking move that consolidates Trump’s control over executive oversight.
A Sign of Things to Come?
Milley’s targeting is just the latest indication that Trump is using his second term to settle old scores. The move raises broader concerns about the politicization of the military and whether other officials who opposed Trump in the past may also face retribution. With the administration still in its early days, this may be just the beginning of a larger effort to reshape the government in Trump’s image. So far, there is little indication that Congress will be able to stop him. Even the Supreme Court, with which Trump has developed a close relationship, seems unlikely to challenge him, raising concerns about unchecked power and potential abuses of authority.
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