A spokesman for Gen. Milley dismisses claims about undermining Trump

A spokesman for Joint Chiefs Chair Mark Milley on Wednesday issued a statement seemingly dismissing reports about the general in a forthcoming book by journalists Bob Woodward and Robert Costa.
An excerpt from Peril published by CNN on Tuesday revealed that Milley reportedly had two conversations with his Chinese counterpart, assuring him that former President Donald Trump was not going to launch a nuclear attack against China. The book also alleges that, after the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, Milley gathered top military commanders and told them that they shouldn't adhere to any nuclear strike orders unless he was involved in the planning.
That information led to some harsh criticism and calls for Milley's resignation or firing, particularly from Republicans and Trump supporters, who felt that Milley was undermining the commander-in-chief.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
In Wednesday's statement, however, Col. Dave Butler said Milley's actions were "in keeping" with his normal duties and responsibilities, which include holding conversations with adversaries like China and Russia to improve understanding and reduce tensions. Those calls, he explained, are "staffed, coordinated, and communicated with the Department of Defense and the interagency." Butler also said the meeting with military leaders was routine, and, in this case, was to remind them of "long-established and robust procedures in light of media reporting on the subject." Read the full statement below.
Milley later received an endorsement from the Biden administration on Wednesday when White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said President Biden has "complete confidence" in him.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Tim is a staff writer at The Week and has contributed to Bedford and Bowery and The New York Transatlantic. He is a graduate of Occidental College and NYU's journalism school. Tim enjoys writing about baseball, Europe, and extinct megafauna. He lives in New York City.
-
Does depopulation threaten humanity?
Talking Points Falling birth rates could create a 'smaller, sadder, poorer future'
-
New White House guidance means federal employees could be hearing more religious talk at work
The Explainer Employees can now try to persuade co-workers of why their religion is 'correct'
-
Real-life couples creating real-deal sparks in the best movies to star IRL partners
The Week Recommends The chemistry between off-screen items can work wonders
-
Judge halts GOP defunding of Planned Parenthood
Speed Read The Trump administration can't withhold Medicaid funds from Planned Parenthood, said the ruling
-
Trump contradicts Israel, says 'starvation' in Gaza
Speed Read The president suggests Israel could be doing more to alleviate the suffering of Palestinians
-
The Pentagon's missing missiles
Feature The U.S. military is low on weapons. Can it restock before a major conflict breaks out?
-
Rescissions: Trump's push to control federal spending
Feature The GOP passed a bill to reduce funding for PBS, NPR and other public media stations
-
Knives come out for Pam Bondi
IN THE SPOTLIGHT She wasn't Trump's first pick to lead the Justice Department. After months of scandals and setbacks, is the attorney general's MAGA shelf life winding down?
-
Can Gaza aid drops work?
Today's Big Question UN's Palestinian refugee agency calls plan a 'distraction and smokescreen' as pressure mounts on Israel to agree ceasefire and fully open land crossings
-
'Spending is what card issuers are hoping you will do'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
-
Trump executive order targets homeless
Speed Read It will now be easier for states and cities to remove homeless people from the streets