Retired U.S. Army General Mark Milley is voicing significant concerns about possible repercussions if former President Donald Trump returns to office after the upcoming election.

Milley, who served as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under both Trump and President Joe Biden, is worried about being recalled to active duty and court-martialed, with his apprehensions recently highlighted in Bob Woodward's new book, as The Guardian reports.

The longtime military leader, notable for his role from 2019 to 2023, has found himself in the spotlight as discussions around military loyalty and leadership gain momentum.

The retired general's fear reportedly centers around the possibility of facing punitive actions, a concern stemming from Trump's previous expressions of wanting to discipline retired military figures who have been critical of him.

Trump's Previous Actions Increase Concerns

The foundation of Milley's worries can be traced back to a 2020 incident when Trump openly criticized former Navy Admiral William McRaven and retired Army General Stanley McChrystal.

During a heated Oval Office meeting, the then-president expressed a desire to take action against these military leaders for their public dissent. Milley was able to convince Trump to refrain from pursuing these actions by assuring him that he would manage the situation.

Aside from these specific incidents, Woodward's book delves into Trump's past statements about recalling retired commanders for severe offenses. This backdrop contributes to Milley's current fears of being targeted if Trump makes a political comeback.

Allegations and Political Tensions Escalate

Since stepping down from his illustrious career, Milley has encountered a stream of death threats. He attributes a part of this troubling phenomenon to Trump’s rhetoric, which he views as potentially inciting violence.

The volatile political climate and the former president's critical statements regarding those who speak out against him have not gone unnoticed.

Woodward's publication adds further layers to the narrative, detailing Trump's controversial actions, such as sending COVID-19 test machines to Russia's Vladimir Putin and maintaining communication with him post-presidency.

These revelations, combined with his views on military loyalty and the potential for retaliatory measures, underscore the current climate of uncertainty.

Milley has publicly voiced strong opinions about Trump, referring to him as a significant danger to the country.

His perspective is one of profound concern, especially in light of his experiences and the ongoing political discourse surrounding military obligations and constitutional oaths.

Public Figures and Their Reactions

Mitt Romney, himself a former presidential candidate, has also expressed worry over the implications of opposing Trump. He believes that Trump's past actions validate the seriousness of his threats, highlighting a need for vigilance and consideration of potential consequences.

The concerns aren't isolated to political adversaries. Steve Bannon, a prominent Trump ally, has openly stated his desire to hold military figures like Milley accountable, adding to the charged atmosphere around this issue.

As Milley's apprehensions echo through political circles, they serve as a stark reminder of the intricate dynamics at play between civilian leadership and military authority.

His experiences and insights place him at the heart of a conversation that melds accountability, loyalty, and political strategy in an era of heightened political divisiveness.

The continued tension and diverse reactions from political figures underscore the multifaceted challenges awaiting the outcome of the election, making it a subject of intense scrutiny and anticipation among observers.