In a sweeping move that underscores a shift in focus within the Defense Department, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has initiated efforts to revoke retired Gen. Mark Milley’s security clearance and security detail.

The actions concerning his access to information as well as his protective detail are part of a broader reevaluation of Milley's contributions and perceived missteps during his prior tenure under former President Donald Trump, as the Washington Examiner reports.

Milley’s tenure as the 20th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, spanning from 2019 to 2023, was marked by a complicated dynamic with former President Trump.

Reports suggest that Hegseth is also contemplating a formal demotion for Milley, a decision that hinges on the findings of a review board evaluating actions taken during Trump's initial term in office.

Change in Pentagon’s Approach

The move to revoke Milley’s security clearances is part of a broader effort by Hegseth to align Pentagon practices with new directives from the Trump administration.

Surrounding these actions is also the removal of Milley's portraits from the Pentagon. Earlier in January, the White House mandated the withdrawal of a recently installed portrait, followed by the Defense Department's directive to remove a second one, ensuring none remain.

Milley has been a polarizing figure within and outside government circles, often at odds with former President Trump. This discord was strongly highlighted when Milley publicly characterized Trump as “a fascist to the core.”

Trump's discontent was further reflected on Truth Social in March 2024, where he described Milley as someone who had "shamed" the United States in Afghanistan.

The backdrop to these developments includes Trump’s vocal criticism of Milley’s management regarding the U.S. military's exit from Afghanistan, which remains a contentious chapter in recent military history.

Accountability in Defense Department

In articulating the Trump White House's rationale, a senior official emphasized an emerging "era of accountability" within the Department of Defense under Trump’s administration. This paradigm shift is purportedly in line with public expectations for greater transparency and responsibility from military leaders.

The unraveling relationship between Milley and the Trump administration mirrors earlier measures taken against other key figures.

Previously, security clearances were stripped from notable individuals such as John Bolton, Mike Pompeo, and Brian Hook, illustrating a pattern of stringent oversight on security privileges.

However, these actions have ignited apprehension within some corridors of Washington. Sen. Tom Cotton has voiced concerns about potential security threats to officials who participated in notable military operations, specifically referencing the strike on Qasem Soleimani. Cotton underscored the persistent threat from Iran and its avowed intentions of vengeance.

Cautionary Measures and Relative Reprieves

Notably, Milley has been actively associated with and defended the strategic rationale behind the Soleimani operation, which remains a focal point in discussions about U.S. military policy in the Middle East.

These unfolding scenarios have not been without attempts at mitigation. Former President Joe Biden, during his administration, issued a pardon meant to buffer Milley against possible prosecution efforts spearheaded by the Trump administration.

This pardon highlights the contentious environment in which Milley operated and underscores the gravity with which the previous administration viewed his decision-making.

The revocation of Milley’s clearances stands as a significant maneuver reflecting the Trump administration's recalibrated stance on military accountability and oversight. The developments surrounding Milley’s security status serve as both a message and a precedent to current and future military leaders regarding the expectations set forth by the administration.

As the review board continues its examination of Milley’s actions, the military community and the broader public await potential further actions, including the possibility of demotion alongside the already revoked clearances. Such moves may redefine institutional protocols and influence the broader discourse on civil-military relations in the coming years.