Pete Hegseth set to fire generals and senior officers
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is still focused on getting rid of generals, admirals, senior officers, etc., who played a role in DEI and other woke initiatives. Hegseth previously stated that woke officials needed to be removed and that the military’s focus should be on defense. The Pentagon also drew up a list of probationary employees in response to a DOGE request. DOGE is also in the process of setting up inside the Pentagon.
From ABC News:
“First of all, you’ve got to fire the chairman of the Joint Chiefs,” Hegseth said in an appearance on the “Shawn Ryan Show.”
“But any general that was involved — general, admiral, whatever — that was involved in any of the DEI woke s— has got to go,” he continued. “Either you’re in for warfighting, and that’s it. That’s the only litmus test we care about.”
However, on his first day at the Pentagon as secretary, Hegseth seemed to soften in regard to Gen. C.Q. Brown, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. On Jan. 27, Brown saluted Hegseth as his motorcade arrived, then shook his hand as the two exchanged pleasantries. With Brown by his side, Hegseth approached a line of reporters and took several questions, including one on whether he intends to fire the general.
“I’m standing with him right now,” Hegseth said, patting Brown on the shoulder. “I look forward to working with him.”
It is not clear whether Brown is on the list.
The list follows multiple U.S. officials telling ABC News that the Pentagon submitted a separate list of probationary DOD employees to the Trump administration’s Office of Personnel Management who could be terminated, along with requests to exempt specific offices and people from being cut.
Being considered mission-critical is one reason for suggested exemption, but veteran and military spouse status is also being taken into account, according to one of the officials. The process of identifying exemptions and cuts is underway, but it is unclear when these employees could begin receiving notice they are being fired.
Additional Reading:
Bertrand, N. & Britzky, H. (2025, February 19). Defense officials fear impending Pentagon firings could break law and hurt military readiness. CNN. Link.
Copp, T. (2025, February 18). DOGE is getting lists of the military’s probationary workers from the Pentagon. AP News. Link.
Martinez, L., Seyler, M., Scott, R. & Faulders, K. (2025, February 20). Hegseth could soon fire or remove generals and senior officers, US officials say. ABC News. Link.
Category: Big Pentagon, Military issues
