Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has revoked former Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Mark A. Milley’s security clearance and protective detail while launching an inspector general investigation that could lead to his demotion from four-star general rank.

The moves against Gen. Milley, who retired in September 2023, follow controversy over his actions during the final weeks of the first Trump administration, particularly his calls to Chinese military officials. While Gen. Milley maintained these calls were authorized and aimed at preventing misunderstandings, Trump officials argued he exceeded his authority.

The Pentagon investigation will examine Gen. Milley’s conduct as Joint Chiefs chairman and determine whether to revisit his retirement grade. This unusual post-retirement scrutiny comes after Gen. Milley made pointed remarks during his retirement ceremony, referencing “wannabe dictators” and emphasizing military loyalty to the Constitution rather than individuals.

Gen. Milley’s security detail was initially assigned following threats after the 2020 U.S. drone strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani. The former chairman has expressed concerns about potential prosecution if President Trump returned to office, though President Biden granted him a preemptive pardon before leaving office.

The Defense Department is also removing Gen. Milley’s portraits from prominent Pentagon locations, including outside the Joint Chiefs chairman’s office and a portrait from his time as Army chief of staff.

Read more: Pentagon chief Hegseth yanks Gen. Milley’s security detail and clearance 

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