Written by David Whitman.

Newly confirmed Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth isn’t wasting any time making big moves, and one of his first orders of business? Stripping retired General Mark Milley of his taxpayer-funded perks. That means no more security detail, no chauffeur, and no bodyguards—all on the taxpayers’ dime.

It doesn’t stop there. The Pentagon is also reviewing whether Milley should lose a retirement star, an investigation that could hit his legacy hard. To top it off, his portrait at the Pentagon? It’s coming down. No more wall of honor for a man whose actions in the final days of President Trump’s first term have sparked serious controversy.

The Controversy Behind Milley’s Actions

Milley, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, found himself at the center of a firestorm when reports surfaced that he made secret calls to China in the waning days of Trump’s presidency. He allegedly reassured his Chinese counterpart that the U.S. wouldn’t launch an attack, even as tensions ran high. Republicans called it an outrageous overreach of his authority, with some going as far as to label it “treason.”

Trump himself didn’t hold back, calling Milley’s actions a blatant betrayal. Meanwhile, the Biden administration stood by him, and in one of its final acts, issued a broad pardon covering any potential wrongdoing Milley may have committed since 2014. If Milley had nothing to hide, some are wondering—why the need for a pardon at all?

Stripping Away a Legacy

With Hegseth at the helm, the Pentagon is taking a hard look at Milley’s career and his benefits. The biggest immediate hit? The perks. Milley had been receiving taxpayer-funded security due to supposed threats from Iran. That’s over now. The Pentagon is also pushing forward with a formal review that could result in Milley losing a retirement star.

Then there’s the symbolic erasure—his portrait at the Pentagon is being taken down. This means that for the first time in years, there will be no images of Milley displayed in the Department of Defense headquarters. The move is a clear sign that the Trump administration isn’t just interested in policy changes—it’s making sure the previous leadership’s influence is wiped clean.

What Comes Next?

This is just the beginning. The Defense Department’s new leadership is making it clear that accountability is back in style. Trump allies have long argued that military officials who went against their commander-in-chief should be held responsible. Under this new leadership, that reckoning has arrived.

Milley’s supporters may argue that his actions were necessary to prevent instability, but the fact remains—he acted outside the chain of command and without presidential approval. That’s a serious breach of duty, and it’s why his benefits, his honors, and his legacy are being reevaluated.

Our Take

The military is supposed to be apolitical, but Milley’s actions proved that some top brass were willing to undermine an elected president if it suited their personal views. That sets a dangerous precedent. If military leaders can unilaterally decide to engage with foreign adversaries without the commander-in-chief’s approval, where does that leave civilian control of the military?

Hegseth’s swift action sends the right message: no one is above accountability. Taxpayers shouldn’t be funding lifelong perks for a retired general whose actions raised serious ethical and legal concerns. The military needs leaders who respect the chain of command, not ones who go rogue when they don’t like the policies of their elected leader.