In a CBS News interview with Norah O'Donnell, retiring Joint Chiefs Chairman Mark Milley weighed in on Trump's recent comments suggesting that he should be put to death.
"President Trump recently said that your dealings with China were so egregious that 'in times gone by, the punishment would have been death,'" said O'Donnell.
"That's right, he said that," said Milley. "That's correct."
"He is suggesting you be punished by death," repeated O'Donnell. "The former commander-in-chief to his former top military advisor."
"I have been faithful and loyal to the Constitution of the United States for 44 1/2 years," said Milley. "And my family and I have sacrificed greatly for this country. And my mother and father before them. And, you know, as much as these comments are directed at me, it is also directed at the institution of the military. And there is 2.1 million of us in uniform. And the American people can take it to the bank that all of us, every single one of us, from private to general, are loyal to the Constitution and we will never turn our back on it, no matter what. No matter what the threats. No matter what the humiliation. No matter what. If we are willing to die for that document, if we are willing to deploy to combat, and if we are willing to lose an arm, a leg, an eye, to protect and support and defend that document and protect the American people, then we are willing to live for it, too. I'm not going to comment directly on those things, but I can tell you that this military, this soldier, me, will never turn my back on the Constitution."
"But for the record, was there anything inappropriate or treasonous about the calls you made to China?" asked O'Donnell.
"Absolutely not," said Milley. "Zero. None."
"It all seems odd to ask this question because the former commander-in-chief seems to be calling for your execution," O'Donnell continued. "Are you worried about your safety?"
"I've got adequate safety precautions," replied Milley. "I wish those comments had not been made, but they were. We will take appropriate measures to ensure my safety and the safety of my family."
