In an unprecedented attack on a US military officer, General Mark Milley, stepping down as head of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, took a swipe at former President Donald Trump, saying no serviceman should serve a “potential dictator”. ».

“We do not swear to serve a king or queen or a tyrant or a dictator. And we do not pledge allegiance to a would-be dictator (…) We pledge to defend the Constitution,” Milli said at his demobilization ceremony, after a term marked by successive crises.

This reference was clear. According to a recent book by journalist Bob Woodward, towards the end of Trump’s tenure General Milli had met with his Chinese counterpart several times to reassure him of the American position, without first informing the Republican president.

Milli had drawn the ire of Trump who recently suggested that the general was guilty of “treason” and that in other times he would have been executed.

Democratic President Joe Biden, at today’s ceremony, saluted a “patriot” who carried out his duty “uncompromisingly” and with devotion to his country.

“His help is invaluable,” commented the 80-year-old president, stressing that the chief of the general staff was always guided by the Constitution.

Milli will be succeeded by Wing Commander Charles S.K. Brown, a highly experienced pilot with 3,000 flight hours under his belt.