Latest news with #Milley
Time of India
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
'Left dignity behind': Trump labels Afghan exit 'most embarrassing'; calls Milley 'idiot'
US President Donald Trump (AP photo) United States president Donald Trump called the hasty withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan, ordered under the Biden administration, a "most embarrassing moment" in US history, and then-US military chief Mark Milley an "idiot". Speaking during a Cabinet meeting, Trump questioned the actions of US military commanders, particularly Milley, who served as the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He pointed to the abandonment of military equipment and the loss of Bagram Airbase, which he said had strategic significance. Trump was especially scathing in his remarks about Milley's decisions, reported news agency ANI, citing TOLO news. 'They left all that equipment behind and every year they have a parade down from street with the equipment. With all that equipment that they left, they should have taken every ounce of it. Every screw, every bolt, every nail you take out of there,' Trump said. 'And Milley said, I remember one time, so we're better off leaving the equipment. Why? It's cheaper to leave $150 million airplane rather than flying it into Pakistan or India or some place. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like My 2-year-old baby needs your urgent help, please save her! Donate For Health Donate Now Undo Yes, sir. That's when I knew he was not an idiot. Didn't take long to figure that one out. They left their dignity behind. It was the most embarrassing moment in my opinion in the history of my country.' According to Afghanistan's TOLO News, Trump also stressed the strategic significance of Bagram Airbase, alleging that it is now under Chinese control, an assertion previously denied by Afghanistan's caretaker government. 'We had Afghanistan, which I think was the most embarrassing moment in the history of our country, and we would have gotten out. I was the one that got him down. I would have kept Bagram, the big air base, which right now is controlled by China. Among the most powerful runways in the world. Thick, thick with concrete and seal. Anything could land. And right now they were one hour away from where China makes its nuclear weapons,' Trump said. Bagram Airbase, once the largest US military installation in Afghanistan, has long been viewed as a strategically vital location in the region due to its proximity to both China and Iran. Meanwhile, TOLO News reported that Afghan security experts have pushed back against any potential return of US troops to the region. 'Although the US is a superpower and influences some Islamic countries, especially Arab ones, it is mistaken in this matter. Afghans will never tolerate foreign military presence on their soil. They must reconsider this,' military analyst Yousuf Amin Zazai told TOLO News. More than seven months into his second term, President Trump has yet to unveil a formal Afghanistan policy. However, his recent remarks, sharp and highly critical, come amid continued uncertainty over Washington's future approach to the region. What happened in 2021? The United States officially withdrew its troops from Afghanistan on August 30, 2021, marking the end of a nearly 20-year-long military presence -- America's longest war. The withdrawal followed a deal signed between the US and the Taliban in February 2020 under the Trump administration, which set the stage for a phased US exit in exchange for Taliban commitments on counterterrorism. The Biden administration carried out the final stages of the withdrawal, which culminated in a chaotic and deadly evacuation from Kabul's Hamid Karzai International Airport, especially after the Taliban swiftly regained control of the country in August 2021. The withdrawal drew global attention and sharp criticism due to the abrupt collapse of the Afghan government and the dramatic scenes at Kabul airport, where thousands of desperate Afghans tried to flee. The US military left behind billions of dollars' worth of equipment, and the sudden power vacuum allowed the Taliban to reestablish full control over Afghanistan. The operation raised serious questions about US intelligence assessments, planning, and the long-term legacy of the war in the region.
New York Post
08-07-2025
- Politics
- New York Post
Trump calls Staff Gen. Milley ‘idiot' for leaving military equipment in Afghanistan during withdrawal
President Donald Trump disclosed he and former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley clashed over leaving equipment in Afghanistan as the US withdrew troops in 2021. Trump, who historically has pushed to recover billions of dollars' worth of equipment US troops left in Afghanistan, said that Milley argued at the time it was cheaper to leave the equipment there. 'That's when I knew he was an idiot,' Trump said during a Cabinet meeting Tuesday. 'Didn't take long to figure that one out. But they left all that equipment. But they left their dignity behind. It was the most embarrassing moment, in my opinion, in the history of our country. Not that we got out. We should have not been there, but that we got out the way we got out with great embarrassment and death.' Milley, who is now retired, did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital. The Taliban seized nearly all of the more than $7 billion worth of equipment US troops left in Afghanistan during the withdrawal process, according to a 2022 Department of Defense report. While US troops removed or destroyed most of the major equipment, there were aircraft, ground vehicles and other weapons were left in Afghanistan. The condition of these items remains unknown, but the Pentagon said in the report the equipment likely would fail operationally without maintenance from US contractors. 3 President Trump revealed that he and then-Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley clashed over leaving military equipment behind during the withdrawal from Afghanistan. REUTERS 3 Trump claimed that Milley argued it would be cheaper to leave the equipment behind during the withdrawal. REUTERS In 2021, then-President Joe Biden signed off on pulling US troops from Afghanistan, following up on existing plans from the first Trump administration in 2020 with Taliban leaders to end the conflict. However, Biden bore the brunt of criticism for the withdrawal after the Taliban rapidly took over Afghanistan again, and more than a dozen US service members died supporting evacuation efforts. Every morning, the NY POSTcast offers a deep dive into the headlines with the Post's signature mix of politics, business, pop culture, true crime and everything in between. Subscribe here! Thirteen US service members were killed during the withdrawal process due to a suicide bombing at Abbey Gate, outside the then-Hamid Karzai International Airport, as the Taliban gained control of Kabul. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced in May that he had instructed the Pentagon to launch a comprehensive review of the US withdrawal to provide a more comprehensive evaluation of the event and to hold those responsible accountable. 3 US military troops at Hamid Karzai International Airport, in Kabul during the withdrawal from Afghanistan on Aug. 26, 2021. EPA 'The Department of Defense has an obligation, both to the American people and to the warfighters who sacrificed their youth in Afghanistan, to get to the facts,' Hegseth said in a memo in May. 'This remains an important step toward regaining faith and trust with the American people and all those who wear the uniform and is prudent based on the number of casualties and equipment lost during the execution of this withdrawal operation.' Milley previously told lawmakers on the House Foreign Affairs Committee in March 2024 that he and the commander of US Central Command at the time of the withdrawal, Marine Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr., both advised Biden to keep some US troops in Afghanistan after pulling most US. forces. 'The outcome in Afghanistan was the result of many decisions from many years of war,' Milley told lawmakers. 'Like any complex phenomena, there was no single causal factor that determined the outcome.' This is a breaking news story and will be updated.
Hamilton Spectator
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
Aspiring student-artist creates stunning Springside mural inside halls of Gateway
Greater Napanee is home to many talented artists, including some well-established and others just beginning their careers. For recent Gateway Community Education Centre graduate, Robin Milley, the end of high school may very well be the beginning of a promising artistic career. 'I have always had an inclination toward art,' stated Milley. 'The past couple of years, I've started to take art more seriously and develop my painting skills. The development of these skills, explained Milley, led the young artist to create pet portraits for family and friends. After these artistic endeavours, Milley noted, 'I thought this might make a good business.' Milley's interest in painting animals did not stop with pet portraits. In fact, several murals by Milley now grace the halls of the Gateway Community Education Centre. These striking murals feature both a scene from Springside Park (replete with local wildlife) and the iconic moose. Speaking of the murals, Milley said that 'I really wanted to focus on local wildlife as much as I could and tried to incorporate as many local birds as possible.' 'I was lucky to have the opportunity to paint those murals,' said Milley. 'I would love to make a career out of this. I hope to make more murals in the future.' For those interested in following Milley's artistic career, or commissioning some artwork, please visit their Instagram page, Rombo Creations. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
WhatsitAI Surpasses 50K Users Identifying, Valuing & Listing items for Sale
"Shazam for Stuff" Transforms the Way People Identify and Value Secondhand Items Discover the true value of anything with WhatsitAI Don Milley, Founder & CEO of WhatsitAI, app for instantly identifying and valuing anything Don Milley Named One of MSN's Top 10 AI Entrepreneurs Making an Impact in 2025 PHILADELPHIA, June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WhatsitAI, the AI-powered mobile app that helps users instantly identify and value secondhand items, has surpassed 50,000 downloads since launch just a few months ago, and continues to grow rapidly. With tens of thousands of weekly scans and a 50% organic growth rate, the platform is proving itself as a go-to tool for thrifters, flippers, and anyone curious about the value of everyday items. Described by users as 'Shazam for stuff,' WhatsitAI lets users snap a photo of an item, whether it's from a yard sale, thrift store, attic, or estate, and immediately see what it is, what it's worth, and where similar items are being sold online. The app aggregates and analyzes data from major resale marketplaces to provide real-time pricing estimates and marketplace listings. 'We're turning curiosity into confidence,' said founder and CEO Don Milley. 'People love that they can finally make informed decisions, whether they're flipping for profit or just wondering what's sitting in their garage. We have families going on weekend treasure hunts, power thrifters using it to make hundreds of dollars a week, and grandparents wondering what the item on their mantle is worth, and more.' The base version of WhatsitAI is free, with more scans and features available with subscription. The app was recently selected by Google for its High Performer Program, and Milley was named one of Microsoft MSN's Top 10 AI Entrepreneurs Making an Impact in 2025. With the U.S. secondhand economy exceeding $175 billion annually, WhatsitAI is carving out a unique position at the intersection of AI, resale, and everyday discovery. About WhatsitAIWhatsitAI is your ultimate tool for identifying, valuing, and listing items in one seamless app. Our AI-powered solution revolutionizes the secondhand market, helping you make better-informed decisions and uncover hidden gems. Plus, we provide links to where similar items are sold so you can confirm prices or find better deals. Whether you're buying, selling, or just curious, get real-time insights with WhatsitAI and never miss a valuable find! Learn more or download the app now at Press Contact:Don Milley - Marketing@ A video accompanying this announcement is available at Photos accompanying this announcement are available at in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
San Francisco Chronicle
13-06-2025
- Politics
- San Francisco Chronicle
For Trump, the military is just another extra in his reality show presidency
For someone who seems to hold the U.S. military in contempt (suckers, losers, bone spurs, V.A. cuts, mocking Gold Star families), President Donald Trump likes surrounding himself with the trappings of armed power. The military is now just another television-friendly prop for whatever Trump wants to promote, which is usually Trump himself. Trump's 79th birthday — it's the 250th birthday of the U.S. Army! Really! We swear! — on Saturday will feature a $45 million tank parade and fighter jet flyover in Washington, D.C. The weather forecast for D.C. calls for showers, making it rain on his reign parade, which, of course, is bad television. Trump's chartreuse cotton-candy hairstyle could collapse like a soufflé, for example. He was afraid that it would happen in France at a D-Day event in 2020. He canceled. Meanwhile, Trump's war gaming has spread to Los Angeles, where, against the wishes of Gov. Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass, he called in 4,000 California National Guard troops and 700 U.S. Marines. There will be more cities, too, so watch for troops on Union Square. That'll help San Francisco tourism. Trump's obsession with the military-as-extras-in-a-reality-show approach is not only lousy politics, it's antithetical to the American nonpartisan approach to its military. According to historian Michael Beschloss, the late president and former Gen. Dwight Eisenhower felt that a military parade like one would see in totalitarian countries '(imitating) what the Soviets are doing in Red Square would make us look weak.' Yet another reason to like Ike, a sensible Republican president who knew the power of military imagery. Trump's sham-handed response to the Los Angeles protests against immigration raids has sent America reeling. While there certainly has been property damage in L.A., most Angelenos are going about their business at brunch, hardly the urban hellscape so ably exploited by the president's media handmaidens. When Trump marched over to Washington's Lafayette Square in 2020 and held up a bible in front of a church like some '700 Club' pitchman, he asked/ordered Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Mark Milley to accompany him. Later, Milley said he thought it was terrible that he did that, saying Trump was a 'wannabe dictator' and a 'fascist to the core.' Wannabe? For example, Trump installed as secretary of defense a Fox News talking head/blowhard, Pete Hegseth, who is more than willing not to stand up to the president, unlike former Defense Secretary Mark Esper, who managed to wave off 47's fascist impulses. Esper said, 'We reached that point in the conversation where (Trump) looked frankly at Gen. Milley and said, 'Can't you just shoot them, just shoot them in the legs or something?'' Um, no. No, we can't. Now there is no Milley or Esper at the table. Just Pete's tats. Sen. Alex Padilla was forcibly shown the door on Thursday during a press conference featuring cosplaying Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, whose previous experience was being governor of a state with a population slightly more than San Francisco. Padilla was handcuffed and hustled out of the news conference after saying to Noem, 'You insist on exaggerating.' Padilla may find himself the latest star of the L.A. ICE Raids News Cycle, after Gov. Gavin Newsom had his 15 minutes of fame on Tuesday. At this point, it's not at all difficult to imagine Trump wearing a gold-epaulette uniform, resplendent with medals more appropriate for the Chilean Pinochet regime than the American presidency. Why not throw his Ceaușescu -aspirational sons into uniforms as well? After all, they haven't managed to channel their patriotic juices into actually going in the military, either. That's for the little people. Get the Proud Boys into some snappy military blues, too. They're now Trump J6 heroes. That insurrection was OK. No need to bring in the National Guard or the Marines. It was in the service of Trump, not democracy, which is all that matters now. Other than damaging D.C.'s boulevards with tank treads and sending the Marines over the Grapevine, perhaps the clearest sign that Trump's military fetish has crossed the line is his performance at the Fort Bragg Army base, where reported that a unit-level message said there were to be 'no fat soldiers … If soldiers have political views that are in opposition to the current administration and they don't want to be in the audience, then they need to speak with their leadership and get swapped out.' Since norms are now antiquarian afterthoughts, do all soldiers have the choice going forward, or is this just a trial run for a quasi-Nuremberg rally? My guess is that President Joe Biden placed no such restrictions when he addressed troops. Oh, and his son Beau was an Army Reserve major. That separation of civilian and military is so 2024. Another Trump fetish is his demand that Army bases revert to their Confederate hero names, like Robert E. Lee. Memo to Trump: They put Arlington National Cemetery in Lee's front yard, as a warning to future traitors. One would think that leading an armed rebellion against the U.S. government and President Abraham Lincoln, the first GOP president, might be disqualifying for a military base name. Other than virtual signaling to racists, it's just another day in the conundrum Trump has created for the military. The tanks will roll by on Saturday, chewing up the streets and delighting our juvenile president. But the U.S. Constitution has tread marks on it already.
