I think Milley’s actions are genuinely problematic as if they happened as described it undermines civilian control of the military.
My issue is that criticism ignores the fact that a criminal psychopath just attempted a coup. When you get into coup territory the rules go out the window because coups are inherently extralegal measures.
This ... Many people criticizing Milley really haven't given an opinion as to why they think Milley did what he did. And ... If what he did was true and not exaggerated for a book as some suggest. why did he take this action knowing full well who he was dealing with and what he knew was going on on the ground. Most of us know why he did what he did. There was a mentally unstable desperate child running the show. It took until nearly the end of Trump’s term to finally find an “adult in the room.” Milley appears to be that adult.
Was Milley doing what recently terminated (Trump’s word) Secretary of Defense Mark Esper wanted him to do?. Although there was no confirmed sec def at the time.
He didn’t leak classified information, technically did not violate the chain of command, he likely has a formal liaison job with this Chinese general, meaning it is appropriate and acceptable for him to speak with that general on policy matters.
But...I agree some of the specific things he says, if reported correctly, likely qualify as him “going into business for himself” in terms of foreign policy.
IMO It doesn’t quite break the concept of civilian control of the military, but it may violate the spirit and intent of positions on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, which is to serve in high level advisory capacity to the President and other special policy assignments as necessary. It would be akin to a Deputy Secretary of State meeting a high-ranking diplomat of a foreign country, and going specifically against the policy dictates of the current administration. Not a crime, but probably not proper.
It could justify a sacking. But it’s also a matter of diplomatic policy, so it would be up to the President to exercise his discretion on the matter. It appears thus far Biden has decided it isn’t a firing offense.
