Bob Woodward Reveals in Upcoming Book: Mark Milley Fears Trump-Led Court-Martial if Re-Elected
Bob Woodward writes in an upcoming book that Mark Milley, the retired US Army general and former chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under both Donald Trump and Joe Biden, fears being recalled to active duty and facing a court-martial if Trump wins the upcoming election against Kamala Harris. Milley’s concerns are rooted in Trump’s previous intentions to punish senior military officers who criticized him, a sentiment that has been growing since Milley’s time as the nation’s top military officer.
Trump’s Desire for Retribution Against Critics
Trump’s ambition to recall and court-martial retired senior officers, including Milley, has been evident in his prior statements. Mark Esper, Trump’s second secretary of defense, confirmed that Trump sought to take action against retired officers like Admiral William McRaven and General Stanley McChrystal. Both McRaven, who led the 2011 raid that killed Osama bin Laden, and McChrystal, whose forces eliminated al-Qaida leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, have openly criticized Trump, calling him immoral and dishonest.
Woodward recounts a 2020 Oval Office meeting in which Trump, Milley, and Esper discussed punishing these former officers. Despite Trump’s frustration and insistence, Milley persuaded him to back down, citing potential legal and political backlash. Now, however, Milley fears that if Trump returns to power, there may be no safeguards in place to stop him.
Death Threats and Fear of Retaliation
Since stepping down as chair of the Joint Chiefs, Milley has endured a relentless wave of death threats, which he attributes to Trump’s repeated efforts to undermine him. In conversations with Woodward, Milley voiced grave concerns over Trump’s inflammatory rhetoric, especially after the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, when Trump incited his supporters to disrupt the election certification.
In response to the threats, Milley has taken significant security measures, including installing bullet-proof glass and blast-proof curtains in his home. While government security is provided, the intensity of the threats has forced Milley to take additional precautions at his own expense.
Trump’s Pursuit of Military Loyalty
During his presidency, Trump expressed frustration that senior military officers were not as loyal to him as he expected. In one instance, Trump reportedly told his chief of staff, John Kelly, that he wanted generals who were as loyal to him as the German generals were to Adolf Hitler during World War II. Trump’s demands for personal loyalty from military leaders created tension throughout his presidency, as officers like Milley remained committed to upholding their oath to the Constitution, not to any individual leader.
In War, Woodward’s forthcoming book, he details how Trump’s drive for revenge against those who defy him, including Milley, remains a central theme in his bid for political power. Trump’s labeling of critics as enemies, particularly those within the military, raises significant concerns about the potential for retaliation should Trump regain office.
A Looming Threat to Military Critics
Milley’s fears extend beyond his personal safety. Woodward reports that Milley has warned his colleagues that Trump could use his authority as commander-in-chief to recall retired military officers and court-martial them. Though this power has been rarely used in US history, Trump’s statements suggest he is willing to employ it against his critics. Figures like Steve Bannon, Trump’s former campaign chair and White House strategist, have already echoed this sentiment, with Bannon stating, “We’re gonna hold him accountable,” referring to Milley.
Trump’s rhetoric about seeking retribution has not been limited to military figures. On the campaign trail, he has repeatedly told supporters, “I am your retribution,” signaling his intent to use the powers of the presidency to punish his political adversaries if re-elected.
The Stakes of the Upcoming Election
As the election draws near, with Trump and Harris in a close race, Milley’s warnings become increasingly significant. Trump has already sidelined his Republican rivals and survived two assassination attempts, positioning himself for a return to power. Milley’s harrowing experiences and his fears of Trump’s potential retribution emphasize the high stakes of this election, not only for him but for the future of American democracy. The outcome could reshape the nation’s political landscape.
Woodward’s revelations paint a troubling picture of what may come if Trump is re-elected. For Milley and others who have opposed Trump, the fear of retribution is real. As Mitt Romney, a longtime Trump critic, remarked: “I think he has shown by his prior actions that you can take him at his word.”