Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ousted at least 24 top generals and admirals in nine months, citing loyalty and anti-DEI stance. Experts warn of morale crash and politicized forces.
Pete Hegseth Purge: Dozens of Generals Fired in Unprecedented Pentagon Shake-Up
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has fired or sidelined at least two dozen generals and admirals in a sweeping nine-month overhaul, triggering widespread concern over the U.S. military’s future.
This unprecedented Hegseth military purge, often lacking clear explanations, targets officers linked to past leaders or diversity initiatives, deepening divisions within the Pentagon.
Roots in Loyalty and Ideology
Hegseth’s decisions reveal patterns tied to political allegiance and opposition to progressive policies.
Officers connected to former Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Mark Milley face delays or blocks in promotions. Maj. Gen. James Patrick Work, key in the ISIS defeat in Mosul, remains stalled despite strong endorsements.
The purge hits DEI supporters hard. Rear Adm. Milton Sands lost his Navy SEALs command for advocating female instructors. Rear Adm. Michael Donnelly’s 7th Fleet nomination vanished after old reports of a shipboard drag show resurfaced.
Punishing Dissent and Honest Assessments
Leaders challenging administration claims pay the price.
Adm. Alvin Holsey exited U.S. Southern Command after questioning strikes on drug boats. Lt. Gen. Jeffrey A. Kruse was removed from the Defense Intelligence Agency when reports downplayed Iran’s nuclear damage from U.S. airstrikes.
Combat veterans like Lt. Gen. J.P. McGee, with 10 deployments, and Gen. James J. Mingus, Army vice chief, departed abruptly without senior input.
Broader Cuts and Commands
- Mass Reductions: Hegseth ordered 20% cuts to four-star ranks and 10% overall general officers in May.
- Global Summons: Hundreds gathered in Virginia for a September meeting, fueling purge fears.
- Public Rebukes: Hegseth named retired generals like Milley as outdated in speeches.
Expert Warnings and Pentagon Defense
Kori Schake, ex-National Security Council official, called it a waste of talent. Lawmakers like Rep. Jason Crow and Sen. Elissa Slotkin liken it to authoritarian purges in China or Iraq.
Spokesperson Sean Parnell insists the military is “more unified,” praising Hegseth’s DEI rollback and “warrior ethos” focus.
The Hegseth military purge risks eroding nonpartisan traditions, fostering “pro-Trump” vs. “anti-Trump” splits among ranks. express
As experienced leaders exit for private sectors, the fallout lingers: plummeting morale, lost expertise, and a force vulnerable to politicization. Congress and experts urge oversight to safeguard readiness amid global threats. Swift reform could heal divides, but unchecked, this upheaval may weaken America’s defense for years.