The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Mark Milley, has apologized for appearing in combat fatigues with Donald Trump after protesters were cleared from in front of the White House on June 1st.
“I should not have been there. My presence in that moment and in that environment created a perception of the military involved in domestic politics. As a commissioned uniformed officer, it was a mistake that I have learned from, and I sincerely hope we all can learn from it.”
Milley made the apology in a pre-recorded speech to the National Defense University. CNN writes: “Milley’s military fatigues-clad appearance along with that of Defense Secretary Mark Esper, drew criticism from lawmakers and several senior former military officials who said the image risked dragging the traditionally apolitical military into a contentious domestic political situation.“
In the speech, Milley also addressed the killing of George Floyd, saying he was “outraged.”
“His death amplified the pain, the frustration, and the fear that so many of our fellow Americans live with day in, day out. The protests that have ensued not only speak to his killing, but also to the centuries of injustice toward African Americans,” he added, saying “we should all be proud that the vast majority of protests have been peaceful.”
