America’s top general pushed back on then-President Donald Trump’s suggestions that the military should violently intervene in social justice protests around the country last year, according to a new book.
The book, titled, “Frankly, We Did Win This Election: The Inside Story of How Trump Lost,” says Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Mark Milley was often the lone voice of reason during heated Oval Office discussions with Trump, according to excerpts of a new book from Wall Street Journal reporter Michael Bender that were obtained by CNN.
The book reveals new details about how Trump increasingly thought violence would be the solution to contain rioting and looting that had broken out during the protests, highlighting videos that showed police getting physical with protesters and saying it should be adopted as a common tactic.
“That’s how you’re supposed to handle these people,” Trump told his top law enforcement and military officials, according to Bender. “Crack their skulls!”
Trump also said he wanted the military to go in and “beat the f–k out” of protester, according to Bender.
“Just shoot them,” Trump allegedly said on more than one occasion.
Milley made news this Wednesday when during a House Armed Services hearing, he pushed back at GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz who accused him of endorsing a “woke” military.
“I personally find it offensive that we are accusing the United States military … of being ‘woke’ or something else because we’re studying some theories that are out there,” Milley said.
