* Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Mark Milley told Senators at a Tuesday hearing that calls to China were routine and done with the knowledge of Trump officials
* He also disputed reports he agreed with Pelosi when she called Trump 'crazy'
* Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Milley testify before the Senate Tuesday
* The appearance marks the first time the Pentagon leaders have publicly testified since the U.S.'s completed its withdrawal from Afghanistan
* The two leaders will then testify before the House Armed Services Committee on Wednesday
* The leaders are expected to face sharp questions about the chaotic pullout and whether they anticipated the Taliban's rapid takeover of the country
* Milley is also set to be grilled on his actions in the months after the election
* Bob Woodward and Robert Costa reported in their book Peril that Milley assured China the US would not attack after Trump lost the election
Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Mark Milley denied any wrongdoing in making two phone calls to China during Trump's presidency and insisted he spoke with his counterpart there to 'de-escalate' Beijing's fears over an imminent attack.
Speaking before a Senate panel on Tuesday, Milley also denied accusations that he told House Speaker Nancy Pelosi he agreed with her Trump is 'crazy,' telling lawmakers today that he instead told her he is 'not qualified to determine the mental health of the president.'
Milley and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin are testifying before the Senate Armed Service Committee Tuesday, marking their first public testimony since the U.S. completed its withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Read more ....
More News On Gen. Mark Milley Defending His Calls With China
Gen. Milley says he wasn't trying to undermine Trump in China call -- NBC
Top U.S. general Milley staunchly defends calls with China -- Reuters
General defends himself over Trump and says his loyalty to nation is absolute -- The Guardian
Gen. Mark Milley defends calls with China during Senate hearing -- L.A. Times
Milley: Beijing's fears of U.S. attack prompted call to Chinese general -- Politico
Gen. Milley says he was 'certain President Trump did not intend on attacking the Chinese' -- Business Insider