The portrait of retired Gen. Mark Milley, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was taken down from the Pentagon on Monday, coinciding with President Joe Biden's preemptive pardons aimed at shielding him from potential actions by President Donald Trump, who has publicly feuded with Milley for years. Confirmations of the portrait's removal were provided by officials, but the reasoning behind it remains unclear, as officials referred inquiries to the White House without further comment. The portrait had just been unveiled on January 10 and was displayed among those of previous military leaders in the Joint Chiefs hallway, as reported by USA Today.

Former President Biden's decision to issue pardons, including one to Milley, appeared strategically timed to preempt any retaliatory actions from Trump following his inauguration. Biden praised Milley and other recipients in a statement, noting that their public service should not subject them to politically motivated investigations. Milley, reflecting on the pardon, expressed his gratitude, stating, "I do not wish to spend whatever remaining time the Lord grants me fighting those who unjustly might seek retribution for perceived slights," as highlighted in the report from The Hill.

The roots of the feud run deep, primarily tied to Milley's critical stance on Trump's actions during tumultuous episodes such as the January 6 Capitol riots and the handling of racial justice protests in 2020. Trump's remarks on the social media platform Truth Social have included severe accusations against Milley, claiming he deserved execution, which the former general countered as necessary actions to avert potential conflict with China, a view he expressed in detail in the book authored by ABC News and noted by The Hill.

In Trump's inaugural address, he denounced the pardons, specifically mentioning Milley, questioning the rationale behind aiding someone he described unfavorably. In a dramatic display of political tension, Milley’s portrait was absent shortly after Trump's inauguration, marking a significant moment in the ongoing saga of political retribution and military integrity.

The fallout from these events continues to evolve, showcasing the complex interplay between military leadership and political power in the United States as illustrated in recent reports from ABC News and USA Today.