Pete Hegseth Removes Mark Milley’s Security Detail Despite Ongoing Threats

Staff Writer
Retired General Mark Milley and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. (Photos: Archive)

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has taken the step to remove the security detail of retired General Mark Milley, who served as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under both Presidents Donald Trump and Joe Biden, according to a Fox News report on Tuesday.

Hegseth also ordered that one of Milley’s portraits be taken down from Army halls and instructed the acting inspector general of the Department of Defense to investigate Milley for allegedly “undermining the chain of command” during Trump’s first term.

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Fox News Chief National Security Correspondent Jennifer Griffin reported that Hegseth made the decision on his second day in office to pull Milley’s security detail, despite the fact that there are still ongoing threats to Milley’s life. Griffin also mentioned that White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt was asked if President Biden would take responsibility if anything happened to people whose security was removed, but no clear answer was given.

The president has previously said that former government officials shouldn’t get security protection forever. Hegseth’s decision is being seen as unusual, as Milley still faces serious threats. Additionally, Hegseth ordered the removal of another portrait of Milley from Army buildings and called for an investigation into whether Milley should lose a star in retirement for his actions during Trump’s time in office.

Milley drew Trump’s ire after after reports revealed that he had contacted Chinese officials following the 2020 election, which Trump lost. The general tried to reassure China that the U.S. would not attack them amid Trump’s attempts to overturn the election results. Former Secretary of Defense Mark Esper defended Milley’s actions, but Trump has suggested that Milley should be punished for “treason.”

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