Trump didn’t hold back and his words have raised some eyebrows.
Following a congressional hearing on the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, former President Trump took to Truth Social to criticize retired General Mark Milley, the former chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, labeling him a “loser” and blaming him for various perceived failures.
Trump’s disdain for Milley isn’t new. Milley has openly criticized Trump, even referring to him as a “wannabe dictator” during his retirement speech in September. Prior to that, Trump had accused Milley of treason for allegedly making calls to China towards the end of Trump’s presidency. Trump’s rhetoric on Truth Social hinted at severe consequences, even suggesting that such actions could have led to war between China and the United States.
In response, Milley maintained his composure during a House Foreign Affairs hearing, stating that while he doesn’t agree with Trump’s comments, he respects the freedom of speech. He redirected the focus of the discussion to the families affected by the tragic events during the Afghanistan withdrawal, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing their needs over political squabbles.
Milley’s position extends beyond the military realm; he currently serves as a visiting professor and lecturer at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs. However, media outlets seeking further insight into Milley’s response to Trump’s remarks have yet to receive a statement from the institution.