The Pentagon has officially stripped retired General Mark Milley of his security clearance and personal security detail, as confirmed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. This move represents another chapter in the ongoing tensions between Milley, who served as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs during President Donald Trump's first term, and the former president, who has long been critical of Milley's actions. As part of this decision, Hegseth has asked the Pentagon's inspector general to investigate Milley's conduct to determine whether it may warrant a demotion in rank.

According to Pentagon spokesperson John Ullyot, Hegseth informed Milley that both his security clearance and detail were being revoked, citing concerns over Milley's undermining of the chain of command as "corrosive to our national security." This aligns with past assertions by Trump and his allies that Milley's actions were inappropriate, particularly regarding his communications with Chinese leaders during the final days of Trump's presidency, which Trump condemned as treasonous.

Milley's relationship with Trump began positively but deteriorated sharply over time as Milley attempted to advise the president on key issues, including the use of military force to respond to domestic protests following the murder of George Floyd. Milley publicly expressed the military's nonpartisan duty during his retirement ceremony, stating, "We don't take an oath to a king, or a queen, or to a wannabe dictator," clearly referencing Trump, with whom his relationship soured.

This decision to revoke security protections has drawn criticism from military experts and current lawmakers alike. Senator Jack Reed expressed grave concerns about the safety of Milley and other former officials who could now face increased threats from adversaries, particularly Iran, due to their past roles in U.S. military actions. Reed labeled the move as "unconscionable and recklessly negligent," urging restoration of Milley's protection.

Hegseth and his staff view this investigation and the revocation of security detail as necessary measures to restore accountability in the military, reiterating that actions undermining the military hierarchy are unacceptable. Many observers interpret these moves as politically motivated retribution against Milley for his outspoken criticism of Trump, especially in light of the comments made about the former president in journalist Bob Woodward's recent works. Trump has indicated a desire for revenge against those he perceives to have wronged him, including repeatedly suggesting extreme consequences for Milley on social media.

While former President Joe Biden preemptively pardoned Milley during his final days in office, it remains to be seen how this legal protection will intersect with Hegseth's inquiries into Milley’s military record. The implications of these actions are vast, raising questions not only about the legitimacy of the inquiries into a retired officer's conduct but also about the future dynamics of civil-military relations within the context of an increasingly partisan environment.

For further details on this developing situation, refer to the coverage by HuffPost, CBS News, and LA Times.