Trump Strips Mark Milley’s Security Detail, Sparking Bipartisan Outrage

President Donald Trump’s decision to revoke former General Mark Milley’s government-funded security detail has ignited sharp criticism from across the political spectrum. The move, reportedly set to be announced by newly appointed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, marks another escalation in Trump’s efforts to target former administration officials who have spoken out against him.

Milley, the retired U.S. Army general and former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, joins a growing list of ex-Trump officials who have had their security protections revoked since Trump’s return to the White House last week. Others on that list include former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, his top aide Brian Hook, and former National Security Adviser John Bolton—all of whom, like Milley, had been targeted for assassination by Iran.

However, Trump’s actions against Milley appear to go beyond merely stripping his security detail. According to Fox News, Hegseth is also forming a review board to assess whether Milley should be demoted by one star for allegedly attempting to “undermine the chain of command” during Trump’s first term.

The move has sparked an intense backlash on social media, with political observers, military veterans, and former officials expressing outrage. “Hegseth is pathetic,” political consultant and Army veteran Fred Wellman posted on Bluesky. “He isn’t half the man as Mark Milley.”

“These dolts are tougher on Mark Milley than Vladimir Putin,” conservative attorney Heath Mayo, founder of the Principles First movement, wrote on X. “Wake up, America. We elected dummies.” Alyssa Farah Griffin, a former Trump administration communications aide and now co-host on ABC’s The View, reminded the public of Milley’s distinguished military career.

“Is this how America treats its heroes?” she asked on X. “Regardless of your politics, Milley served in the US Army for 4 decades in roles including with the 82nd Airborne Division, 5th Special Forces Group, 7th Infantry Division, 2nd Infantry Division, & 25th Infantry Division. Shameful.” Former Tea Party Rep. Joe Walsh (R-IL) issued a stark warning about the implications of Trump’s actions.

“Trump is Turning The Presidency into A Dictatorship – Where The Hell Are You Democrats?” Walsh wrote on Bluesky. “Dear Americans who voted for Trump, you voted to put an incredibly small, petty, pathetic, un-American person in charge. You voted to make America more divided and less secure. That’s such a shame.”

Others pointed out the stark contrast between Trump’s military record and Milley’s service. “You will recall, Trump was afraid of going to Vietnam to serve his country and got deferments for ‘bone spurs,’” podcast host Jack Hopkins wrote on Bluesky. “Milley received the Defense Superior Service Medal and was nominated for a valor award for his actions in Iraq.”

Democratic strategist Chris Jackson slammed the decision as “a move of cowardice,” adding in an X post that Hegseth’s involvement made it “even more pathetic.” With concerns mounting over Trump’s handling of former officials, critics warn that his approach to governance is becoming increasingly vindictive, raising further questions about his second term’s trajectory.