Republican senators are renewing their demand for the Department of Defense to investigate former Joint Chiefs Chairman General Mark Milley over allegations of misconduct during his final months in office.
Senators Chuck Grassley and Jim Banks have formally urged the acting Pentagon inspector general to examine Milley’s reported actions, which they believe may have violated the chain of command and challenged civilian control of the military. Their concerns are centered on claims that Milley made unauthorized contact with foreign officials and took unusual steps regarding nuclear command protocols.
These allegations have gained attention due to detailed accounts in published books describing Milley’s conduct during the end of the Trump administration, including efforts to prevent perceived instability within the military leadership.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has already ordered a review into Milley’s conduct, and part of that review may include evaluating whether his retirement rank should be reconsidered.
While Milley has previously defended his actions as appropriate and coordinated with top officials, he has not commented on the renewed inquiry. Lawmakers have emphasized they want clear answers once the Pentagon completes its assessment.