US general says he will ‘take appropriate measures' after Trump social media threat

US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley said he will take “appropriate measures” to ensure that he and his family are safe in the wake of recent comments by former President Donald Trump on social media.

"I've got adequate safety precautions. I wish those comments had not been made, but they were," said Milley in an interview with CBS News on Wednesday. "And I'll take appropriate measures to ensure my safety and the safety of my family.”

Milley is set to leave his military leadership post at the end of the month.

His remarks came days after Trump said Milley deserves the death penalty for allegedly betraying him and committing an act of treason.

Milley "was actually dealing with China to give them a heads up on the thinking of the President of the United States. This is an act so egregious that, in times gone by, the punishment would have been DEATH!" said Trump on Truth Social.

The outgoing general said he has been faithful and loyal to the Constitution of the United States for 44 and a half years.

"My family and I have sacrificed greatly for this country, and my mother and father before them. As much as these comments are directed at me, it's also directed at the institution of the military," he added.