Trump Administration Targets Gen. Mark Milley, Strips Security Detail

The Trump administration has made significant efforts to diminish the legacy of retired Gen. Mark Milley, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, by stripping him of his security detail and removing his portraits from the Pentagon.

On January 20, shortly after President Donald Trump’s inauguration, newly appointed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth terminated Milley’s security protection and initiated an investigation focused on potentially removing one of his stars upon retirement. A week later, Milley’s official portraits from his tenure as chairman and as Army chief of staff were discreetly removed from the hallways of the Pentagon.

The actions are part of Trump’s wider initiative to penalize those he views as political adversaries. Milley, a distinguished retired Green Beret with over 40 years of service, attracted Trump's criticism for his management of the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot. During the chaos, the general reached out to his Chinese counterpart to reassure Beijing that the U.S. was not on the verge of war, a decision that Trump and his allies perceive as a betrayal.

Interestingly, military officials, whether currently serving or retired, have chosen to remain quiet regarding Milley’s treatment. Military.com contacted almost a dozen senior officers, yet none were willing to comment, even off the record, underscoring a pervasive fear of retaliation.

Trump's focus on Milley seems to be unmatched in contemporary history. As his supporters contend that they are ensuring Milley faces consequences for perceived disloyalty, detractors caution that this action establishes a perilous standard for military leadership in upcoming administrations.

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