Trump Campaign Spokesperson Slams General Milley Over ‘Fascist’ Remark
In a fiery response to retired U.S. Army General Mark Milley’s recent comments, Donald Trump’s campaign spokesperson, Steven Cheung, has taken to social media to blast the former military leader. Milley, who was nominated by Trump as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in 2018, reportedly described the former president as "fascist to the core" in a new book by renowned journalist Bob Woodward titled War.
Milley’s remarks, which have stirred controversy, were highlighted in various media outlets, including The Independent. In his conversation with Woodward, Milley expressed grave concerns about Trump’s character, stating, "He is the most dangerous person ever… He is now the most dangerous person to this country." The general’s comments come in the wake of his tenure, which saw him navigating the tumultuous waters of military and political challenges during Trump’s presidency.
Cheung didn’t hold back in his criticism of Milley, labeling him a "woke train-wreck" and dismissing Woodward as a "washed-up fiction writer." In an email to Newsweek, Cheung stated, "Woke train-wreck Mark Milley clearly suffers from Trump Derangement Syndrome, and it’s no surprise he pals around with a washed-up fiction writer like Bob Woodward to peddle lies and misinformation." He further suggested that if Milley had focused more on his military duties, the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 might have been avoided—a reference to the tragic loss of 13 American service members during the evacuation.
The backdrop to this exchange is the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan, which has been a point of contention in U.S. politics. In August 2021, a suicide bombing at Kabul’s airport claimed the lives of 13 U.S. service members and over 170 Afghans, an event that has drawn criticism towards the Biden administration’s handling of the evacuation. While the Pentagon concluded that the deaths were not preventable, many have pointed fingers at the administration for the disorganized nature of the withdrawal.
Cheung’s comments echo sentiments previously expressed by Trump, who has criticized Milley for his handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal, calling it "perhaps the most embarrassing moment in American history." The former president has also referred to Milley as a "Woke train wreck," highlighting the ongoing tension between the two figures.
Milley’s relationship with Trump has been fraught with controversy, particularly following the events of June 2020, when he was present during a controversial photo op at Lafayette Square. In a draft resignation letter that surfaced in 2022, Milley expressed his disillusionment with Trump’s leadership, stating, "I can no longer faithfully support and execute your orders as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff." He emphasized the need to protect the military from politicization, a sentiment that resonates with his recent comments about fascism.
In a retirement speech delivered in September 2023, Milley made a veiled reference to Trump, stating that service members "don’t take an oath to a wannabe dictator," further fueling speculation about the rift between the two. Trump’s response was swift, calling Milley "slow moving and thinking" on social media.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the clash between Trump and Milley highlights the deep divisions within American politics, particularly regarding military leadership and the role of the military in political discourse. Meanwhile, in a show of support for Trump, 15 Medal of Honor recipients have publicly endorsed him for president, emphasizing their commitment to the U.S. Constitution and their oaths to protect it.
This ongoing saga between Trump and Milley is sure to keep political analysts and the public engaged as the 2024 presidential election approaches.