Secretary Hegseth's Move Signals New Accountability Era Under Trump Administration

Washington D.C., January 28, 2025 - In a significant development from the Pentagon, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has taken the unprecedented step of revoking the security clearance and personal security detail of retired General Mark Milley, the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. This action, announced today, comes alongside an ordered investigation into whether Milley should face a demotion in his retirement status.

The decision marks a sharp turn in military policy, emphasizing accountability within the Defense Department under President Donald Trump's second term. Multiple senior administration officials confirmed to Fox News that this move is directly related to actions Milley took during Trump's first term in office, which some claim undermined the chain of command.

The investigation, to be conducted by the Pentagon's acting Inspector General, will focus on Milley's conduct, particularly his communications with China during the tumultuous final months of Trump's first administration. These calls, documented in the book "Peril" by Bob Woodward and Robert Costa, were made to assure China of U.S. stability amidst fears of Trump's unpredictability.

Hegseth's actions extend beyond mere investigation; they include the immediate removal of Milley's security detail, a protection previously afforded due to threats from Iran following the 2020 drone strike that killed Iranian General Qasem Soleimani. Moreover, both of Milley's official portraits at the Pentagon are being taken down, symbolizing a significant fall from grace for the once highly respected military leader.

This development has sparked a range of reactions across the political spectrum. Critics of Milley see this as a necessary step towards rectifying perceived insubordination, while others view it as a political vendetta, potentially damaging the non-partisan nature of military leadership.

The narrative around Milley's tenure has been fraught with controversy, including his public statements on racial issues and his handling of the military's response to civil unrest in 2020. With his security clearance revoked, Milley joins a small group of former officials whose access to sensitive information has been curtailed by the current administration.