Pentagon Removes Milley Portrait After Trump Inauguration

The portrait of retired Gen. Mark Milley was removed from the Pentagon shortly after Donald Trump's second inauguration as president. This decision marks an official end to Milley's contentious relationship with the former president.

According to Breitbart, the portrait's removal underscores the tension between Milley and Trump, heightened by Milley's pardon from former President Joe Biden just hours before his term ended.

Milley, who served as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, found himself in the spotlight for various controversies during his tenure. Known as a position that maintains neutrality, his role was challenged by events and political dynamics. The decision to unveil his portrait was made during the last days of Biden's administration, just ten days before it was removed.

Removal Decision Swiftly Followed Inauguration

On the day of the inauguration, events unfolded rapidly. Not long after President Trump took the oath, a U.S. official indicated that the removal of Milley's portrait came down from the "White House." This information was reported by the New York Times, which did not receive more specific details about the command.

The decision to take down the portrait can be seen as the culmination of several years of conflict between Milley and Trump. The fractured relationship began during Trump's first term, particularly after the Lafayette Park episode, where Milley was criticized for accompanying Trump during a contentious moment.

Milley eventually distanced himself from Trump, offering apologies for incidents that blurred the lines of military and political involvement. This calculated distancing hinted at the growing dissonance between the military leader and the executive branch he once served.

Milley's Departure and Recruitment Struggles

In 2023, Milley stepped down from his role as Chairman, having faced critiques related to political engagement and his own commentary about Trump. His tenure was marked by unprecedented challenges, including navigating a difficult recruitment environment for the military.

Milley's actions post-2020 election, where interviews depicted him countering Trump's authority, further strained their relationship. These actions left a legacy of debate regarding the military's role in political matters and the responsibilities of its leaders in maintaining nonpartisan conduct.

As a backdrop to these events, former President Biden issued a pardon to Milley just hours before leaving office. The pardon acts as a clear recognition of the precarious position Milley found himself in during recent years.

Portrait Removal Reflects Larger Tensions

The portrait, introduced ceremoniously just days before under the Biden administration, served as a symbol of Milley's career, albeit briefly. The quick removal conveys an unspoken statement by the newly inaugurated Trump administration, marking a fresh start or perhaps a gesture of disapproval.

Throughout Milley's career and standing as Chairman, he encountered numerous trials. These experiences were exacerbated by political strains, often putting him at odds with the expectations of his role. Milley's comments about Trump, calling him a “wannabe dictator,” further fueled speculation about his political inclinations.

During his career, Milley faced criticism from conservative outlets like Breitbart News. These critiques pointed to perceived neglect in military trust and recruitment strategies under his watch. Breitbart highlighted a less trusted military, attributing part of this crisis to Milley’s leadership style and political controversies.

Controversial Figure in Military Leadership

The decision by the new administration to swiftly remove Milley's portrait adds a chapter to this complex tale. It explicitly reinforces the divergent opinions and strategies delineated by Milley and his experiences with presidential administrations.

Despite the contentious aspects of his tenure, core issues around the role of military leadership in domestic political matters remain unresolved. In the broader sphere, Milley's departure and the enduring tensions highlight the delicate balance required for military figures interacting with political entities.

In the aftermath of Biden’s pardon and Trump’s renewed presidency, the removal of Milley's likeness from a place of honor reminds us of the ever-evolving relationship between military leaders and the civilian leadership they serve. As the landscape continues to shift, this incident serves as a reminder of the interplay between policy, personality, and public service at the highest levels.