- Gen. Mark Milley faced severe political backlash, especially from Trump and Gosar, with the latter using overtly homophobic terms like “sodomy-promoting.”
- Milley’s pivotal role in establishing the Army Futures Command juxtaposed against the challenges he faced during the Trump era.
- Rep. Gosar amplified divisive and homophobic rhetoric, further targeting Milley.
- Steven Sund cited January 6th as a “notable intelligence failure,” but Gosar overlooked the FBI’s communication lapses with the Capitol Police.
- Gosar implicated Pelosi in denying National Guard support and accused Milley of delaying the riot response and having covert ties with China.
- Military leaders like Milley navigate complex political terrains, heightened by biases and animosities.
- The modern era underscores military leaders’ vital role in upholding democratic values amidst rampant division and misinformation.
Gen. Mark Milley, the 20th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has faced relentless political attacks, not least from figures like President Donald Trump and Rep. Paul Gosar. The latter, in a shockingly overt display of homophobia, labeled Milley as “sodomy-promoting” (Washington Examiner). Amid these challenges, Milley’s role in the establishment of the Army Futures Command signifies his monumental impact on the U.S. Army’s evolution (CNBC). Nevertheless, the turbulence of the Trump era persistently tested Milley’s dedication to his principles (Fox News).
Rep. Paul Gosar, already notorious for his divisive remarks, further amplified his homophobic tendencies by targeting Gen. Milley with such derogatory terminology. Gosar also focused on remarks by former Chief of Capitol Police, Steven Sund, concerning the January 6th security failures (Representative Paul Gosar). While Sund identified the incident as a “notable intelligence failure”, Gosar selectively omitted that although the FBI was aware of potential threats, this critical intel was not conveyed adequately to the Capitol Police (LGBTQ Nation).
Reflecting on this, Sund commented, “If intelligence was duly shared and if the FBI and DHS adhered to their protocols, we might be discussing a different narrative today” (Washington Examiner). Given the vast resources available to intelligence agencies, Gosar’s perspective prompts pressing inquiries: Was there a deliberate effort to suppress pivotal information (CNBC)?
Gosar further embroils the situation by alleging that Sund’s plea for National Guard backup was thwarted by Speaker Nancy Pelosi (Representative Paul Gosar). Moreover, he charges Gen. Milley with intentionally slowing the riot response (Fox News) and crafts conspiracy theories around Milley, hinting at secretive engagements with the Chinese military and alleged plots against President Trump (Washington Examiner).
The cloud of accusations surrounding Milley illuminates the treacherous landscape military leaders must traverse, especially when ensnared in political animosities intensified by deeply rooted prejudices like homophobia (LGBTQ Nation). In our current era, characterized by deep-seated divisions and baseless allegations, the resolve of military leaders to safeguard democratic values becomes increasingly indispensable (CNBC, Fox News).
Joint Chiefs Chairman Mark Milley hangs up his uniform
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Gen. Mark Milley, once known for establishing the Army Futures Command, faced significant challenges as the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under President Trump. Amidst controversies like Trump's desire to deploy troops against Black Lives Matter protesters and appearing at a political event with Trump, Milley navigated his commitment to an apolitical military and civilian control. Despite tensions and after his tenure, Milley remains optimistic about America's resilience and has no intention of writing a tell-all memoir or pursuing politics.
RIGHT-EXTREME BIAS FACTUAL REPORTING: MIXED
Trump and GOP Rep. Gosar suggest Joint Chiefs boss Mark Milley deserves death
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Former President Donald Trump and GOP Rep. Paul Gosar of Arizona have insinuated that Gen. Mark Milley, the outgoing Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was treacherous and implied he warranted execution. Trump criticized Milley on his Truth Social site, alleging Milley had inappropriately communicated with Chinese counterparts near the end of Trump's term. In 2021, Milley clarified to Congress that he reassured Chinese officials that the U.S. had no plans to attack them. Gosar, meanwhile, accused Milley of collaborating with then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi against Trump. Milley's spokesperson has not commented on these allegations.
LEFT-CENTER BIAS FACTUAL REPORTING: MOSTLY FACTUAL
Tucker Carlson: Mark Milley committed treason, and others were implicated
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Tucker Carlson, in a Fox News article, accused Gen. Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, of treasonous behavior by allegedly collaborating with China and undermining President Donald Trump. Carlson points to a new book by Bob Woodward and Robert Costa which claims that Milley secretly assured his Chinese counterpart that he would notify him in case of an impending US attack. This action, according to Carlson, indicates a betrayal by Milley to undercut the elected president. The article also critiques Milley for purportedly seizing control over the US nuclear arsenal, undermining the principle of civilian control over the military. Carlson laments what he sees as media support for Milley's alleged actions, suggesting that prominent figures are endorsing a departure from democratic values.
RIGHT-EXTREME BIAS FACTUAL REPORTING: MIXED
GOP congressman calls for execution of “sodomy-promoting” US Army general
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Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ) has publicly demanded the execution of General Mark Milley, the chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, launching a homophobic attack on him in his newsletter. Gosar accused Milley of being a "homosexual-promoting-BLM-activist” and claimed that he delayed the military's response to the January 6 riot. He also asserted that Milley conspired with then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi against President Trump and accused him of treacherously communicating with the Chinese military. Donald Trump also called for punitive measures against Milley, who he had appointed in 2018. Milley had recently discussed Trump's views on transgender military service in an interview, emphasizing his focus on military standards over personal matters. Neither Gosar nor Trump have military service records.
LEFT BIAS FACTUAL REPORTING: MOSTLY FACTUAL
Capitol Police Chief Testifies About Intelligence Incompetence Leading to J6
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In an article by Representative Paul Gosar, he discussed a House Committee hearing on the January 6th security failures. Former Chief of Capitol Police, Steven Sund, testified that the January 6th attack was due to an intelligence failure. Despite prior information that some individuals intended to disrupt the Capitol, no intelligence agencies warned the Capitol Police. Gosar criticized the FBI and DHS for not sharing this intelligence and insinuated that the FBI may have had agents in the crowd urging violence. Gosar also alleged that Chief Sund's early requests for National Guard support were denied due to political concerns, suggesting House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was responsible. He criticized General Milley for his actions and accused him of conspiring against President Trump. He ended by emphasizing that the nation deserves better security and intelligence sharing.