The Pentagon removed the portrait of General Mark A. Milley, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, on January 20, 2025. This decision marks a significant action by the new administration against military leadership that has faced criticism from President Trump.
- Pentagon removes Gen. Milley's portrait
- Action reflects new administration's stance
- Portrait installed during Biden's last days
- Trump criticized Milley as "woke train wreck"
- Biden issued preemptive pardon for Milley
- Removal of portrait is unprecedented action
The removal of General Milley’s portrait is unprecedented as it is customary for all chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to be honored in this manner. The portrait had only been displayed for a week before its removal following Biden’s administration transition. Milley’s tenure ended amid controversy, particularly regarding his communications with Chinese officials during Trump’s final days in office.
Key details surrounding this event include:
- The portrait was hung during Biden’s last week in office.
- Trump criticized Milley publicly, labeling him “a woke train wreck.”
- A U.S. official confirmed that the White House ordered the removal shortly after Trump’s inauguration.
In response to these tensions, President Biden issued a preemptive pardon for General Milley before leaving office. This situation reflects ongoing divisions between Trump and military leaders, especially concerning national security decisions made at the end of his term.
The swift removal of General Milley’s portrait underscores significant shifts in military recognition under changing administrations and highlights ongoing debates about military conduct and accountability within U.S. politics.
