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In reply to the discussion: Vindman calls for Milley's resignation: 'He usurped civilian authority' [View all]Redleg
(5,796 posts)Having the authority doesn't confer "rightness" or "lawfulness" to an act. Congress twice impeached Trump for the abuse of power because he had corrupt intent and attempted and suborned corrupt acts.
The Chairman of the JCS would likely be the recipient of orders by the president authorizing nuclear attack. I see nothing wrong with Milley reminding the chain of command about the proper procedures they must follow. Remember that Trump had key appointees in the top civilian leadership positions at the Pentagon- they were not confirmed by the Senate and they were Trump loyalists. Milley likely recognized that they were going to be a problem so he dealt with them in the only way he could. Both the previous Defense Sec. and the CIA director were concerned about Trump's erratic behavior after losing the election and their concerns appear to be similar to those that Milley had.
I never said that Milley promised a rival nation that they would be notified of a nuclear attack and I don't believe Woodward's book states it in this way. According to reports, a transcript of Milley's call to his opposite in China is available, was given to the Trump White House, and was also over-heard by a number of people who were with Milley at the time.