Democrats won’t be happy about this at all.
In a bold move signaling a new era of accountability at the Department of Defense, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced that retired General Mark Milley will immediately lose his personal security detail and security clearance. Senior officials confirm that this decision is part of an ongoing effort to ensure loyalty and adherence to the chain of command.
Additionally, the Pentagon will begin a review process, led by the newly appointed acting Inspector General, to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to strip Gen. Milley of his retired rank. The accusations surrounding Milley point to actions during President Trump’s first term, where he allegedly undermined the chain of command and defied the will of his Commander-in-Chief, actions that many conservatives believe disrespected the institution of the military and its leadership structure.
The Pentagon is also removing a second portrait of Milley, which had hung in the Army’s Marshall Corridor on the third floor of the building. This decision will effectively erase all images of Milley from the Pentagon, a stark reminder of his controversial tenure as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 2019 to 2023. Just last week, his first portrait, from his time as the top military officer, was removed, further distancing the Pentagon from his legacy.
During his time as Chairman, Milley was a vocal critic of President Trump, even reportedly calling him “fascist to the core” in conversations with journalist Bob Woodward. These remarks, made while still in uniform, sparked outrage among Trump supporters, with many questioning Milley’s loyalty to the sitting President and his disregard for military impartiality.
While Trump initially praised Milley for his role in the 2019 operation that led to the death of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, conservatives argue that Milley’s actions during the final months of Trump’s presidency cast a shadow over his service. Gen. Milley reportedly made secret calls to China to reassure the communist regime that the U.S. military had no intention of striking, an act that many see as insubordination.
The decision to strip Gen. Milley of his privileges marks a new chapter in ensuring military leaders remain faithful to the Constitution and the chain of command. As President Trump continues to drive home the need for accountability in Washington, this action sends a clear message: there will be no tolerance for those who undermine the authority of elected leaders and jeopardize the integrity of the U.S. military.
This bold step aligns with the demands of American patriots who expect their leaders—military or otherwise—to put the country and its Constitution first, above personal ambition or political grudges. With the removal of Milley’s security detail and portrait, it seems that the Department of Defense is finally starting to hold its leaders accountable, just as the American people have long demanded.