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Transcript/Script(PLAYBOOK SLUG: US Military Milley TV
HEADLINE: Retiring Top US Military Brass Vows No Loyalty to ‘Wannabe Dictator’
TEASER: Biden pays tribute to outgoing Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Mark Milley, who has been targeted by Trump
PUBLISHED: 9/29/2023,
BYLINE: Patsy Widakuswara
CONTRIBUTOR: Jeff Seldin
DATELINE: White House
VIDEOGRAPHER:
VIDEO EDITOR:
SCRIPT EDITORS: Holly Franko, Reifenrath, DJ (ok)
VIDEO SOURCE (S): AP, AFP, Skype
PLATFORMS (mark with X): WEB __ TV _X_ RADIO __
TRT:
VID APPROVED BY:
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EDITOR NOTES:))
((INTRO: ))
[[Retiring Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Mark Milley made a forceful call in defense of American democracy and the Constitution on Friday as he handed the reins of the military’s top post to his successor, General Charles Q. Brown Jr. VOA’s White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara has this report.]]
((Milley event, AP 4455948))
((NARRATOR))
It’s not the usual farewell speech of a retiring American top general.
((AP 4455948))
((Gen. Mark Milley, Retiring Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman))
"We don't take an oath to a king or queen or to a tyrant or dictator. We don't take an oath to a wannabe dictator. We don't take an oath to an individual. We take an oath to the Constitution. And we take an oath to the idea that is America, and we're willing to die to protect it."
((Milley file, AP 4455833, Trump file, AP 4455258))
((NARRATOR))
The office of General Mark Milley did not respond to queries about who the retiring Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman was referring to. But some speculate it was a thinly veiled jab at former President Donald Trump, who is seeking a return to office.
((Milley and wife, AP 4455803))
((NARRATOR))
Earlier this week, Milley said he would take measures to protect his family’s safety,
((GFX))
((NARRATOR))
following Trump’s social media comments suggesting Milley should be executed for holding secret talks with China toward the end of his presidency.
((Milley testimony file, requesting library))
((NARRATOR))
In September 2021, Milley testified to the U.S. Congress that he had conveyed to officials in Beijing that Trump was not planning to attack China in his final weeks in office.
((Gen. Mark Milley, Retiring Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman)) ((File: Sep 2021))
“My task at that time was to de-escalate. My message again was consistent: stay calm, steady and de-escalate. We are not going to attack you."
((Aftermath of Baghdadi strike, AFP V000_1LS9N8, Baghdadi file, AFP V000_1G14G400))
((NARRATOR))
In his four-year tenure, Milley oversaw the 2019 killing of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, leader of the Islamic State terrorist group,
((Scenes of chaotic evacuation, AFP V000_9LE2H9, Afghans running trying to climb planes))
((NARRATOR))
the chaotic military withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021, and
((Milley and Zelenskyy, Reuters Edit No: 3884))
((NARRATOR))
the military assistance provided to Ukraine since Russia’s February 2022 invasion.
((Biden and Milley at event))
((NARRATOR))
President Joe Biden praised Milley’s service and character.
((AP 4455948))
((President Joe Biden))
"When it comes to the Constitution, that is and always has been Mark's North Star. I'm so damn proud to serve with him."
((Milley taking Brown’s oath, 4455964))
((NARRATOR))
Milley is handing over the military’s leadership to General Charles Q. Brown Jr.
UPSOUND “So help me God… Congratulations Chairman."
((Continue the shot and the 2 men hug, Brown shots))
((NARRATOR))
Brown is the country’s 21st chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the second Black officer to hold the position.
Patsy Widakuswara, VOA News, at the White House.
NewsML Media TopicsArts, Culture, Entertainment and Media
NetworkVOA
Embargo DateSeptember 29, 2023 20:24 EDT
Byline
Patsy Widakuswara
Brand / Language ServiceVoice of America - English
