Key points
- Gen Milley had termed Trump as “fascist”
- He served as Joint Chiefs chairman under Trump and Biden
- Trump has repeatedly promised “retribution” against his opponents
WASHINGTON: United States (US) Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth is removing the security detail for former top US military officer Mark Milley — a foe of President Donald Trump — and suspending his security clearance, the Pentagon said.
The retired general, who reportedly once labelled Trump a “fascist” to a journalist, is the latest official-turned-critic to see their security protection pulled since Trump began his second term last week.
Hegseth informed Milley “that he is revoking the authorization for his security detail and suspending his security clearance as well,” Pentagon spokesman John Ullyot said in a statement late Tuesday.
Milley was named by Trump during his first administration as the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, but their relationship deteriorated sharply.
“The secretary may determine whether it is appropriate to reopen his military grade review determination,” Ullyot added.
“Dangerous person”
Trump has repeatedly promised “retribution” against his opponents and threatened some with criminal prosecution.
Trump was enraged after Milley told journalist Bob Woodward that the Republican was “fascist to the core” and a “dangerous person.”
The general stepped down as chairman in 2023 at a ceremony in which he took a final swipe at Trump.
“We don’t take an oath to a king, or queen, or a tyrant or a dictator,” Milley said of American troops. “And we don’t take an oath to a wannabe dictator.”
Milley’s portrait honouring his service as chairman of the Joint Chiefs was taken down at the Pentagon on the day that Trump was sworn in.
But the White House remained defiant over the decision Wednesday, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt echoing comments from Trump that officials were not entitled to security protection and clearances for life.
“The individuals you’re mentioning are quite wealthy, I understand, so they can get their own private security if they wish,” she told reporters.
