The Pentagon has revoked retired Gen. Mark Milley’s security clearance and security detail as the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General investigates whether he should be stripped of a star. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered a review board to examine Milley’s actions during the transition period following the 2020 election.
Milley, who served as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 2019 to 2023 under both President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden, has faced scrutiny over his communications with foreign officials and internal military decisions. The move to revoke his clearance aligns with broader concerns about officials accused of undermining Trump’s administration.
While Milley was previously assigned a security detail due to threats from Iran, the Pentagon’s latest decision follows similar actions against former Trump officials John Bolton, Mike Pompeo, and Brian Hook, all of whom were involved in the 2020 airstrike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani.
Hegseth’s inquiry into Milley could lead to a formal demotion, a rare but significant consequence for a former top military leader. The investigation remains ongoing.