US Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Millie said yesterday that it was "a mistake" to accompany President Donald Trump to take a memorial photo after US authorities resorted to violence to purge protesters outside the White House.
"I should not have been there," Milli said in pre-recorded remarks to celebrate the US National Defense University. He also said that "my presence at this moment and in this atmosphere in military uniforms created a perception that the army is involved in internal politics."
He continued in his statements: "As an officer in the regular forces, this was a mistake I learned from, and I sincerely hope that we can all learn from him."
He said, "We must cherish the principle of a non-politicized army that is deeply rooted in the core of our republic."
The remarks by the chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff came in the wake of a rare condemnation from retired generals, and even from Jim Mattis, the first Trump administration defense secretary, who accused the president last week of stoking unrest across the country.
Trump's visit to the church sparked mixed reactions between her defender and opponents. Defense Minister Mark Esper faced criticism for his participation in it, and an adviser to the ministry submitted his resignation, accusing Esper of "violating the oath."
After the visit, Esber announced that he did not agree with Trump's vision of resorting to the application of the rebellion law, which dates back to 1807, and allows the armed forces to be included in security plans to counter the movement of the current demonstrations.
On Monday, Trump led a group of officials, including Millie, and Defense Secretary Mark Esper, across Lafayette Square to a church where he was photographed carrying the Bible.
Federal forces used tear gas to cleanse the area of protesters, most of whom demonstrated peacefully.
Millie was later seen in the streets of Washington in his military uniform, inspecting National Guard forces.
The statements of Millie Trump, who has taken a tough line against the massive movement against police violence and racism, and who sparked it, may anger the death of African-American citizen George Floyd at the hands of the police upon his arrest in Minnesota more than two weeks ago.