​​​​​​​HAMILTON, Canada

The Pentagon on Wednesday confirmed that it revoked retired former Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Mark Milley's personal security detail and security clearance, citing concerns about his conduct in service.

"The Secretary (Pete Hegseth) informed General Milley today that he is revoking the authorization for his security detail and suspending his security clearance as well," spokesman John Ullyot said in a statement.

Ullyot noted that Hegseth directed the Department of Defense's inspector to investigate "facts and circumstances surrounding Gen Milley’s conduct so that the Secretary may determine whether it is appropriate to reopen his military grade review determination"

Milley, who served as the 20th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 2019 to 2023, had been assigned a security detail after Iran vowed retaliation for the 2020 killing of its top military commander Qasem Soleimani in a US drone strike.

"Undermining the chain of command is corrosive to our national security, and restoring accountability is a priority for the Defense Department under President (Donald) Trump's leadership," said the Defense Department chief of staff, Joe Kasper.

In the final hours of his presidency, former President Joe Biden issued a preemptive pardon for Milley and other officials who he feared might face retaliation from Trump.

Trump, who nominated Milley for the position, had later clashed with the general over several national security issues.

Milley expressed his "deep gratitude" for Biden's decision in a statement.