In a Washington Post opinion column in August 2018, McRaven criticized Trump and the White House's decision to revoke the security clearance of former CIA Director John Brennan.
Brennan, who was deeply critical of Trump, described the move as an effort to "suppress freedom of speech & punish critics."
The White House said its decision was based on Brennan's "erratic conduct and behavior" and that it questioned his "objectivity and credibility."
"Mr. Brennan's lying and recent conduct, characterized by increasingly frenzied commentary, is wholly inconsistent with access to the nation's most closely held secrets and facilitates the very aim of our adversaries, which is to sow division and chaos," the White House said at the time.
McRaven described Brennan as "one of the finest public servants" and dared the White House to revoke his own security clearance.
"I would consider it an honor if you would revoke my security clearance as well, so I can add my name to the list of men and women who have spoken up against your presidency," McRaven wrote.
"A good leader sets the example for others to follow," McRaven added. "A good leader always puts the welfare of others before himself or herself."
"Your leadership, however, has shown little of these qualities," McRaven wrote of Trump. "Through your actions, you have embarrassed us in the eyes of our children, humiliated us on the world stage and, worst of all, divided us as a nation."