A portrait of retired Gen. Mark Milley, former chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and vocal critic of President Donald Trump, was removed from the Pentagon on Monday, stirring speculation as Trump renews vows to address past feuds, The Hill reported.
The portrait, unveiled on Jan. 10, depicted Milley among other former Joint Chiefs chairs. Its removal comes amidst President Trump's sharp rhetoric regarding Milley, one of his most high-profile critics.
A National Security Council spokesperson declined to comment on the reasoning behind the decision.
The news broke Monday when several journalists posted photos of the bare wall where Milley's portrait once hung. The images quickly circulated on the social media platform X, igniting debates about political motivations and legacy.
In a related move earlier that day, former President Biden issued preemptive pardons to Milley and several others before leaving office. Biden described the pardons as "recognition for their service" and emphasized they were not admissions of guilt. Milley's pardon drew particular attention due to his turbulent relationship with Trump.
Milley, appointed by Trump in 2019, often disagreed with the president over national security decisions. Their disagreements escalated publicly after Trump left office in 2021, and Milley's reported resistance to Trump's directives became a focal point of their feud.
Trump has previously suggested that Milley should face severe consequences for his actions, even suggesting execution. Milley, in turn, has labeled Trump a "fascist" in public statements.
During a speech in Emancipation Hall on Monday, President Trump criticized the Biden administration's decision to pardon Milley, saying, "What's going on? Why are we doing this? Why are we trying to help a guy like Milley?"
Jim Thomas ✉
Jim Thomas is a writer based in Indiana. He holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science, a law degree from U.I.C. Law School, and has practiced law for more than 20 years.
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