In a rare and explosive rebuke, retired General Mark Milley, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under President Donald Trump, has expressed deep concern about Trumpâs leadership and his impact on U.S. democracy.
Milleyâs comments, describing Trump as âfascist to the coreâ and âthe most dangerous person to this country,â have reverberated across political and military circles. These statements, coming from a man who worked closely with Trump during his presidency, add significant weight to growing concerns about Trumpâs influence and his possible return to power.
The Source of Milleyâs Concerns: From Close Proximity to Clear Criticism
Milley, who was appointed by Trump in 2019, initially tried to work within the administration, but his perception of Trump changed dramatically over time. In conversations with Bob Woodward, the celebrated journalist and author, Milley reflected on his evolving concerns about Trump. According to Woodwardâs upcoming book, War, Milleyâs initial suspicions about Trumpâs mental state and suitability for office turned into firm conclusions after the January 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection.
Milley reportedly told Woodward in a private meeting in 2023, âHe is the most dangerous person ever… He is now the most dangerous person to this country.â He went further, describing Trump as âa fascist to the core,â a damning assessment from a senior military official.
January 6th and Its Aftermath: The Turning Point
The attack on the Capitol on January 6, 2021, marked a significant turning point for Milleyâs relationship with Trump. Milley, who witnessed firsthand how Trumpâs rhetoric mobilized his supporters, including far-right extremists and militia groups, was deeply troubled by the former presidentâs actions. In the aftermath, Milley sought a meeting with then-Attorney General Merrick Garland to discuss the rise of domestic violent extremism and the threat posed by far-right militia movements.
Woodwardâs book reveals that Milley took unprecedented steps in the wake of the Capitol riot to safeguard the country, reportedly urging Garland to take a more aggressive stance in investigating and combating these extremist threatsâ(. Milleyâs sense of duty and alarm, as well as his close proximity to the former president, make his warnings all the more sobering.
A Veiled Warning at Milleyâs Retirement Ceremony
Milleyâs concerns about Trumpâs leadership did not stay confined to private conversations. During his September 2023 retirement ceremony, Milley made a pointed remark that many saw as a thinly veiled critique of Trump. Without mentioning the former president by name, Milley highlighted the militaryâs unwavering loyalty to the Constitution rather than to any individual leader.
âWe donât take an oath to a country, we donât take an oath to a tribe, we donât take an oath to a religion. We donât take an oath to a king, or a queen, or a tyrant or a dictator,â Milley said during his farewell speech. He then added, âAnd we donât take an oath to a wannabe dictator!ââa remark widely interpreted as a direct jab at Trumpâs authoritarian tendenciesâ.
Trumpâs Response and Public Reaction
Unsurprisingly, Trump has not taken Milleyâs critique lightly. The former president has lashed out at Milley on numerous occasions, often accusing him of being part of the so-called âdeep stateâ and undermining his administration. Trumpâs fiery rhetoric toward Milley is emblematic of his broader disdain for military leaders who have challenged him.
Despite Trumpâs counterattacks, Milleyâs words have resonated with many who fear that a second Trump term could further destabilize American democracy. Milleyâs stark assessment, coupled with his unique insight into Trumpâs character, has added fuel to the ongoing debate about the future of the Republican Party and the potential dangers of Trumpism.
A Growing Chorus of Concern
Milley is not alone in his alarm. Several former military and intelligence officials have expressed similar concerns about Trumpâs authoritarian impulses and the potential consequences of his return to power. What sets Milleyâs warnings apart, however, is his position at the highest levels of military leadership during Trumpâs presidency.
By calling Trump a âfascist to the core,â Milley has underscored the existential threat he believes Trump poses to the nation. His comments reflect a growing sentiment among critics of Trump who view his actions as fundamentally at odds with democratic principles and the rule of law.
Conclusion: A Call to Defend Democracy
General Milleyâs damning critique of Donald Trump is not merely the parting shot of a retiring military leaderâit is a clarion call for Americans to be vigilant in defending their democracy. Milleyâs words serve as a stark reminder that the stakes in the upcoming election go far beyond partisan politics; they are about the very nature of American governance.
As the 2024 election draws near, the question remains: Will Milleyâs warnings be heeded, or will Trumpâs authoritarian tendencies once again shape the course of American history? Only time will tell, but one thing is certainâMilleyâs alarm is a warning that should not be taken lightly.