Who is Mark Milley? Trump critic whose security detail was removed by defence secretary Pete Hegseth

Retired US Gen Mark Milley, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is at the centre of a political firestorm after US defence secretary Pete Hegseth revoked his security clearance and security detail. Milley, who served as the nation’s highest-ranking military officer under both Presidents Donald Trump and Joe Biden, has long been a controversial figure, hailed by some as a defender of constitutional principles and criticized by others for allegedly overstepping his role.
Hegseth’s decision, announced Tuesday, also included an inspector-general review into Milley’s record to determine whether his rank should be reduced post-retirement.
This move has drawn attention not just to Milley’s actions during his career but also to the fraught civil-military relations during Trump’s presidency and beyond.

Milley’s legacy and clashes with Trump

Milley, a four-star general with over four decades of service, became chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in 2019. Initially appointed by Trump, Milley quickly became a divisive figure. His tenure was marked by several high-profile incidents, including his apology for appearing in a controversial 2020 photo op with Trump in Lafayette Square after authorities forcibly cleared peaceful protesters.
Milley later admitted, “I should not have been there,” emphasising the importance of keeping the military apolitical.
Milley also faced criticism from Trump allies for his backchannel communications with China during the waning months of Trump’s presidency.
According to Bob Woodward and Robert Costa’s book Peril, Milley assured his Chinese counterpart, Gen Li Zuocheng, that the United States would not launch a surprise attack. Trump labelled these actions “treasonous,” though Milley defended his actions as necessary to maintain stability during a turbulent time.

Why did Hegseth act?

Hegseth’s decision to revoke Milley’s security clearance and detail appears to be part of a broader effort to scrutinize Milley’s record.
According to The New York Times, Hegseth’s spokesperson stated that Milley’s actions during Trump’s first term “undermined the chain of command” and warranted a closer look. Hegseth has been a vocal critic of Milley, accusing him of politicising the military and acting outside his authority.
The inspector-general review ordered by Hegseth will examine whether Milley’s rank should be reduced in retirement, which could impact his pension and benefits.
While Milley received a preemptive pardon from President Joe Biden before leaving office, protecting him from prosecution, it does not shield him from administrative actions like demotion.

Security detail revoked despite threats

Milley’s security detail was initially assigned due to threats linked to his involvement in the 2020 drone strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani.
The New York Post reported that Hegseth’s decision to remove the detail mirrors Trump’s recent move to strip similar protections from other former officials, such as John Bolton and Mike Pompeo, who also faced threats from Iran.
The decision has sparked bipartisan concerns. Republican Senators Tom Cotton and Lindsey Graham warned that such actions could deter current officials from carrying out their duties effectively.
Milley’s retirement in September 2023 was marked by a veiled critique of Trump. In his farewell address, he reminded service members that their oath is to the Constitution, not to “a wannabe dictator.” This comment, along with his past criticisms of Trump, solidified him as a polarising figure.
Hegseth’s actions come as Trump seeks to reshape his administration in his second term.
According to The Hill, Trump ordered Milley’s portrait removed from the Pentagon hallways shortly after his inauguration, which likely indicates the level of animosity between the two men.
While the inspector-general review could lead to administrative consequences for Milley, his legacy as a military leader remains contentious. Supporters view him as a principled officer who stood up for democratic norms, while critics argue he overstepped his role and politicised the military.