Headline RoundupSeptember 16th, 2021

Perspectives: Should Gen. Milley Be Fired Over Calls With Top Chinese General?

Summary from the AllSides News Team

Gen. Mark Milley, the nation's highest-ranking military officer, is facing criticism over phone calls he had with China's top general last year. According to a forthcoming book, Milley acted to limit former President Donald Trump's powers and told the Chinese general that he'd warn him of any forthcoming U.S. attack. After the book's contents became public, Trump accused Milley of treason. President Joe Biden said he has "great confidence" in Milley Wednesday. A spokesperson for Milley tweeted Thursday defended the calls, saying they were done to "maintain strategic stability." Contrary to initial reports, sources across the spectrum say the calls were not secret and that 13 other people were present, including a State Department official.

Voices on the right have been highly critical of Milley. Many argue that if the book is accurate, Milley stepped outside the chain of command and unjustly undermined the president. Some called for him to resign or be fired, including several Republican lawmakers and retired Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, who testified against Trump in his first impeachment trial. An analysis from CNN (Left bias) suggested the book's claims raised more concerns about Trump's mental fitness. A report from Politico (Lean Left bias) suggested the authors exaggerated the calls and that Trump Defense Sec. Chris Miller approved them. Miller denied that narrative in a recent Fox News (Right bias) interview.

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