Former Trump Official Accuses Gen. Milley of ‘Weakness’ Over Kabul Drone Strike
Pete Hegseth, referred to as ‘America’s Secretary of War’ within the Trump administration, has accused retired General Mark Milley of ‘weakness’ and ‘wokeness’ in connection with the U.S. drone strike in Kabul in August 2021 that mistakenly killed an Afghan family.
The strike, which occurred during the final days of the U.S. military evacuation from Kabul airport, resulted in the deaths of ten civilians, including seven children. Gen. Milley initially described the attack as a ‘righteous strike,’ although U.S. defense officials later acknowledged it had been a mistake.
At the time, Gen. Milley characterized the drone strike as a measured response to a terrorist incident near the Abbey Gate of Kabul International Airport. However, just days later, the U.S. Department of Defense admitted the strike had wrongly targeted an innocent family.
In response to the incident, General Kenneth McKenzie, then-head of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin formally apologized to the victims’ family.
Hegseth revealed during an event that he had once considered using the phrase ‘righteous strike’ when referring to attacks on drug-smuggling boats, but his team advised against it, reminding him that this was the same terminology used by Gen. Milley regarding the deadly Kabul strike.
He added that previous officials referred to the incident as a ‘righteous strike’ for two full days, whereas, in his view, the truth should have become evident within hours.
Hegseth criticized the lack of transparency and continued use of the original narrative as signs of ‘weakness, wokeness, and militarism’ among former defense officials, including Gen. Milley. His remarks come at a time when Donald Trump remains president and varying opinions persist within the U.S. about past military actions in Afghanistan.
