Senators also questioned General Milley about recent reports he circumvented the official chain of command in order to prevent possible actions from former President Trump. Milley said senior military leaders were aware he communicated with his Chinese counterparts to assure them the U.S. was not planning an attack.

Gen. Mark Milley: “I know, I am certain, that President Trump did not intend to attack the Chinese. And it is my directed responsibility, and it was my directed responsibility by the secretary, to convey that intent to the Chinese. My task at that time was to deescalate.”