Special Poll
- Mark Milley, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, appointed by Donald Trump, now refers to the Republican nominee as a “fascist to the core” and the most dangerous person ever to threaten the United States.
- Milley, a decorated military officer, became a target of right-wing criticism after expressing concerns about Trump’s mental stability following the 2020 election loss to Joe Biden.
- Journalist Bob Woodward’s new book, War, describes Milley as being highly alarmed about the prospect of Trump returning to the White House. The book details Milley’s deep concerns for the future of the country.
- Following the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, Milley insisted on meeting with Attorney General Merrick Garland to push for an investigation into domestic violent extremism and far-right militias.
- Woodward reports that this meeting may have been the first between a chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Attorney General, with Milley convinced Trump still posed a threat to the country even after leaving office.
- Milley was first nominated by Trump for the role of chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in 2019 but expressed even stronger concerns about the former president in a March 2023 conversation with Woodward.
- At a Washington, DC reception in 2023, Milley privately told Woodward, “No one has ever been as dangerous to this country” as Trump, and he described Trump as a “total fascist” with a dangerous mindset.
- Milley’s public comments during his September 2023 retirement ceremony also seemed to criticize Trump without mentioning his name, highlighting the unique role of the U.S. military, which is not loyal to any one individual.
- In his speech, Milley stressed that the military does not swear allegiance to a person, tribe, or dictator, but instead to the U.S. Constitution and the ideals of America.
- Milley concluded by emphasizing that the military is willing to die to protect the values and principles of the Constitution.