Jen Psaki dismisses GOP critics of Gen. Milley: 'The leader of their party fomented an insurrection and many of them were silent'
Even following bombshell reports of a call to his Chinese counterpart after the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, Joint Chiefs Chair Gen. Mark Milley still has the commander in chief's trust, according to White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki.
On Wednesday, Psaki clarified that since Biden is not as reckless or chaotic as former President Donald Trump, the current president is comfortable with Milley's continued service, despite the revelations that he took secret action to undermine Trump.
"I can't speak to the former president's experience with him or the former president's views of him," Psaki said of Trump in regards to Milley. "But ... this current president, who follows the constitution, who's not fomenting an insurrection, who follows the rule of law, has complete confidence in Chairman Milley."
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.
Psaki also went on to dismiss the idea that Republican criticism might influence Biden in how he deals with the situation, adding "I don't think the president is looking for the guidance of members of Congress who stood by while the ... president of the United States and the leader of their party fomented an insurrection and many of them were silent."
Also on Wednesday, a spokesperson for Milley released a statement responding to the debacle, purporting the chairman's actions to be "in keeping" with his normal duties.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brigid Kennedy worked at The Week from 2021 to 2023 as a staff writer, junior editor and then story editor, with an interest in U.S. politics, the economy and the music industry.
-
'New poll gives Harris an edge'
Today's Newspapers A roundup of the headlines from the US front pages
By The Week Staff Published
-
Threads: how apocalyptic pseudo-documentary shocked a nation
In the Spotlight The rarely shown nuclear annihilation film will reappear on TV screens this week
By Rebekah Evans, The Week UK Published
-
Alma's Not Normal, season two: 'hilarious' sitcom is 'pretty much perfect'
The Week Recommends The second instalment of Sophie Willan's semi-autobiographical comedy is a 'triumph'
By Irenie Forshaw, The Week UK Published
-
Liz Cheney campaigns with Harris in Wisconsin
Speed Read The pair does not agree on much politically, but they share an anti-Trump stance
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Biden, Harris visit storm-hit North Carolina, Georgia
Speed Read President Joe Biden and Kamala Harris took separate tours of the south to view the catastrophic damage from Hurricane Helene
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Jack Smith filing details Jan. 6 case against Trump
Speed Read The special counsel's newly unsealed brief argues Trump is not immune from prosecution and gives new details on his efforts to overturn the election
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Will 'weirdly civil' VP debate move dial in US election?
Today's Big Question 'Diametrically opposed' candidates showed 'a lot of commonality' on some issues, but offered competing visions for America's future and democracy
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
All the presidential assassination attempts
In Depth American history is full of efforts to kill sitting and former presidents
By David Faris Published
-
Who could be in a potential Harris Cabinet?
Today's Big Question Speculation is already brewing about who could occupy the top positions
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Biden gives final UN speech, vows 'things can get better'
Speed Read President Joe Biden addressed the United Nations General Assembly for the last time
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
1 of 6 'Trump Train' drivers liable in Biden bus blockade
Speed Read Only one of the accused was found liable in the case concerning the deliberate slowing of a 2020 Biden campaign bus
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published