Former President Joe Biden's pre-emptive pardon for retired Gen. Mark Milley, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, will give the retired military official a shield against any action that President Donald Trump might take against him amid their highly public feud.

"My family and I are deeply grateful for the President's action today," Milley said in a statement to USA Today provided by a spokesperson.

The US Constitution grants presidents with the authority of executive clemency for individuals convicted in federal criminal cases.