Milley’s Security Clearance Revoked As Hegseth Orders Immediate Action

Newly confirmed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has taken swift action against retired Gen. Mark Milley, stripping him of both his security clearance and personal security detail. The move ensures Milley no longer has access to classified information—an overdue step given his history of undermining the chain of command.

Milley had retained his security clearance even after leaving his post, despite concerns about his conduct. One of the most serious accusations against him involved unauthorized communications with China’s military leadership while serving under President Donald Trump. His continued access to sensitive information had raised alarms about potential intelligence risks, but those concerns have now been addressed under the new administration.

Hegseth has also directed the Pentagon’s acting Inspector General to conduct a full review of Milley’s record. The review will determine whether Milley should lose a star in retirement due to his actions while in office. This step follows multiple incidents in which Milley was accused of circumventing military protocol and failing to uphold the chain of command.

In addition to revoking Milley’s clearance, the Pentagon is moving forward with removing his last remaining portrait from its walls. A previous portrait was already taken down on Inauguration Day, and now a second, located in the Army’s Marshall Corridor, will also be removed. Once this is completed, there will be no further official recognition of Milley inside the Pentagon.

Milley had been assigned a security detail due to past threats from Iran, but that protection is now being revoked. The decision reflects the Trump administration’s focus on holding former military leaders accountable, especially those who engaged in actions that disrupted civilian leadership.

While Milley was among those pardoned by former President Joe Biden in his last days in office, that pardon does not prevent additional administrative action. With his clearance revoked and a formal review underway, further consequences may still be on the table.