Defense Secretary Austin defends Joint Chiefs Chair Milley amid controversy

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin defended Gen. Mark Milley Wednesday, following allegations that the latter had made plans to prevent former President Trump from staging a coup during the 2020 election, Politico reports.

Why it matters: Austin's remarks come as Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, faces criticism from conservatives over accusations presented in an upcoming book detailing the end of Trump's presidency.

• The book reports that Milley and other military leaders discussed stopping Trump "from using U.S. troops in a way that could help him hold onto power," according to Politico.
• Milley has yet to comment directly on the book's claims, per Politico.

What they're saying: "I’ve known the chairman for a long time. We’ve fought together. We’ve served a couple of times in the same units," Austin said, per Politico.

• "I’m not guessing at his character. He doesn’t have a political bone in his body," Austin added.
• "We don't arbitrate elections. That's the job of the judiciary and the legislature and the American people. It's not the job of the U.S. military."

Go deeper: Milley to Trump: "I don't expect you to understand"