The new book “Peril”, written by Bob Woodward and Robert Costa, reveals several startling details of Donald Trump’s last days in the White House.
Among other things, it appears that the US Supreme General, Mark Milley, was so worried about what Trump could come up with after the election defeat that he took action on his own.
He is said to have secretly picked up two phones to the Chinese Chief of Defense, Li Zuocheng, to reassure the Chinese that the United States would not attack them militarily. He is also said to have gone so far as to promise that he would notify the Chinese general if the United States attacked.
The revelations have made a number of American politicians look red, and Tuesday afternoon, Milley appeared for a Senate hearing – mainly due to the criticized military withdrawal from Afghanistan, but the general was also put to the wall for his talks with the “enemy”.
The congresswoman is shocked: – No longer serious
Rejects accusations
Several Republicans – including the former president – describe the actions as “treacherous”.
“If the story of the idiot General Mark Milley is true, I guess he will be brought to justice for treason as he spoke to his Chinese counterpart behind the back of the president,” Trump wrote in a statement.
During Tuesday’s hearing, Milley explains that he called the defense chief because he was worried after seeing intelligence that indicated that China believed the United States was preparing an attack on them. He also stressed that both talks – which took place on October 30 last year and January 8 – were discussed with both Secretary Mark Esper and Chris Miller, according to NBC News.
Races against Biden: – Lies
However, he denies the allegations that he tried to gain authority by contacting China.
– I did not at any time try to change or influence the process, acquire authority or familiarize myself with the command line. My job at the time was to de-scale, he said and continued:
– I knew for sure that President Trump had no plan to attack the Chinese, and it is my responsibility to convey the president’s orders and intentions.
Feared nuclear war: – He’s crazy
Support from Biden
In addition to calling the Chinese defense chief twice, Milley is said to have ordered a postponement of military exercises in Asia and the Pacific for fear that China could strike back if they felt threatened. He is also said to have gathered US top officers to review the procedures for the use of nuclear weapons, according to the book.
A number of Republicans are reacting strongly to Milley’s actions. They believe the general has gone far beyond his powers, and therefore demand that he resign his position. But the current president of the United States, Joe Biden, supports Milley.
– I have great faith in General Milley, said Biden earlier this month, after being asked what he thinks of the general’s behavior.
Milley himself has said that the telephone conversations were “completely within his duties and responsibilities at work”.
–
