Republican senators are urging the Pentagon inspector general to investigate Gen. Mark Milley for alleged misconduct and undermining civilian authority.

Senators Seek Review of Milley’s Conduct and Retirement Rank

Republican Senators Chuck Grassley of Iowa and Jim Banks of Indiana have renewed their call for a formal investigation into alleged misconduct by former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley. The senators sent a letter to Department of Defense acting Inspector General Steven Stebbins requesting that concerns over Milley’s actions—initially raised in 2022—finally be addressed through an independent review.

The inquiry follows claims that Milley may have undermined the military chain of command and violated protocols while serving as the nation’s top military officer. Grassley and Banks originally sought answers two years ago, but the request was closed without resolution by the prior inspector general. Their latest appeal coincides with efforts by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who has formally asked for a review into whether Milley’s conduct merits stripping him of a retirement star.

Allegations Involving Command Chain and Foreign Communication

Grassley and Banks argue that Milley’s behavior, including controversial comments and reported actions outlined in Bob Woodward and Robert Costa’s book Peril, violated military standards. The book alleges that Milley made disparaging remarks about then-President Donald Trump and acted to insert himself into the nuclear command process, despite lacking such authority.

Among the most debated revelations is Milley’s assurance to Chinese officials that he would provide advance warning if the United States were to take military action. While Milley later acknowledged the conversation, he stated it occurred under the guidance of then-Defense Secretary Mark Esper, and that it aimed to de-escalate tensions—not to disclose military plans.

Grassley and Banks maintain that such communications represent a potential breach of duty. “The record suggests that General Milley failed to meet [the] standards” expected of the military’s highest-ranking officer, they wrote, accusing Milley of posing a “grave threat to civilian control of the military.”

Debate Over Accountability and Civil-Military Relations

The senators claim that Milley’s actions undermined the authority of the Commander-in-Chief and risked setting a dangerous precedent in civil-military relations. They insist that the issues raised are too consequential to ignore and must be fully investigated. “If substantiated, General Milley should be held accountable,” they emphasized.

The controversy also touches on broader tensions within the military and political landscape. The allegations include Milley’s reported view that President Trump had entered a state of “serious mental decline” during his final days in office, prompting Milley to seek additional checks before any military action could be initiated.

While the Department of Defense has yet to publicly comment on the renewed request, Secretary Hegseth’s initiative to review Milley’s retirement status and potential demotion has added urgency to the matter. Grassley and Banks expressed support for the ongoing review and stated that once it concludes, they expect answers to their longstanding questions regarding Milley’s conduct.

“The nation’s highest-ranking military officer has a solemn responsibility to set an example,” the senators concluded. “The Department of Defense’s cooperation in this matter would be appreciated.”