Former President Trump criticized Gen. Mark Milley as “slow moving and thinking” after he appeared to slight Trump in his retirement speech Friday.
Milley proclaimed in his speech that the U.S. military does not swear an oath to a “wannabe dictator,” a dig at Trump.
Milley and Trump frequently clashed while the latter was president, including warning colleagues about fears that Trump would attempt a coup at the end of his term and over a phone call to his Chinese counterpart to ease concerns over rising tensions.
“Slow moving and thinking Mark Milley should never have made those calls to China’s Military Leadership,” Trump said on Truth Social on Friday. “Does this moron, together with WOKE FOOL Mark Yesper (Esper!), who said ‘yes’ to everything, have any idea how dangerous a situation he put our Country in? Look at his words – STUPID & VERY DANGEROUS!”
Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper said earlier this week that fears of retribution are “legitimate” for former Trump administration officials. His comments came after Trump posted on Truth Social that he would go after his political enemies if reelected, a threat targeted toward Milley.
“The president has also said that a second term would be about retribution, right?” Esper said. “So, I think these are all legitimate concerns.”
In response to the threat, Milley said he would take “appropriate measures” to protect the safety of himself and his family.
Air Force Gen. Charles Q. Brown, Jr. was confirmed in a 83-11 vote Friday, overcoming a blockade against military promotions from Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.).