Milley Claims Faith in U.S. Stability with Trump As President-Elect
Retired Army General Mark Milley, previously critical of Donald Trump, recently expressed strong confidence in America’s resilience under the upcoming Trump administration.
Milley, who served as the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under both Trump and President Joe Biden, has had a notable change in tone regarding the future of the United States, and this shift was articulated during an interview with MSNBC’s Stephanie Ruhle at the Pallas Foundation's National Security Innovation Forum, as Newsmax reports.
The forum, which took place on Wednesday, was Milley's most recent platform to publicly address the nation's stability amid political transitions.
His comments come at a time when NBC News has reported that Trump’s transition team is closely scrutinizing senior military officers involved in the Biden administration's withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Gen. Milley's Earlier Criticism And Recent Praise
Previously, Milley had harshly criticized Trump, describing him as "fascist to the core" in comments that were revealed in Bob Woodward's book titled "War."
These remarks were part of a broader discussion about Trump's approach to governance and his impact on U.S. democracy.
Despite his earlier criticisms, Milley’s recent statements have taken a more reassuring tone. During his interview, he emphasized the strength of America's institutions and the resilience of its people.
"America is going to be OK," Milley assured, pointing to the country's robust framework and capable citizens.
His reassurance aimed to mitigate concerns about the stability of the country, especially considering the investigative actions of Trump’s transition team against military leaders.
Milley highlighted that America's foundations are strong enough to withstand political waves.
Milley Discusses Pentagon Concerns Under Trump's Scrutiny
During the MSNBC broadcast, Milley also commented on the atmosphere within the Pentagon given the current political investigations. He noted a sense of uncertainty among military officials regarding what Trump’s transition team's scrutiny might entail.
"I would imagine right now that there are probably some eyebrows raised in the Pentagon or out in units," Milley observed, suggesting a wary response from military personnel to the incoming administration’s actions.
He further elaborated on the situation, stating, "I don't think they are obsessed with it. They don't know what it means. They don't know what it consists of. No one has actually laid this stuff out," explaining the general confusion and concern among the ranks about potential repercussions from Trump’s team.
The Impact of Military Leadership During Political Transitions
Milley’s role as the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under two different administrations gives him a unique perspective on the interplay between military leadership and presidential politics.
His tenure under Trump and Biden allowed him to observe firsthand the dynamics of U.S. national security policy shifts.
This background informs his current viewpoints and his messages to the public regarding the continuity and strength of U.S. governance despite political changes.
Milley’s reassurances reflect what he says is his deep trust in the institutional integrity of the United States and its capability to navigate through challenging times.
As the U.S. approaches a new presidential term under Donald Trump, Milley’s perspectives serve as a crucial reassurance to many in the nation concerned about the implications of leadership changes on national security and military operations.