In Washington, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended President Trump’s unexpected termination of the nation’s top military official amidst a series of personnel changes at the Pentagon, downplaying concerns that the new administration is politicizing the military. Hegseth suggested that additional dismissals may be on the horizon.
During an appearance on “Fox News Sunday,” Hegseth stated, “Nothing about this is unprecedented,” referring to the dismissal of Air Force Gen. CQ Brown Jr. from his role as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He emphasized that the president has the right to choose his key national security team.
He cited several former presidents, such as Franklin D. Roosevelt, George H.W. Bush, and Barack Obama, as examples of leaders who have made significant personnel changes within the military. Hegseth pointed out that Obama had let go of numerous military officials, including the removal of Army Gen. David McKiernan from his command in Afghanistan early in his presidency.
While running for a second term, Trump pledged to eliminate “woke” ideologies in the armed forces and indicated he would expedite the removal of several senior officials. Hegseth and Trump have been open about their intentions to replace military leaders who have endorsed diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, arguing that such actions will enhance military effectiveness.
Gen. Brown, who held the position for 16 months, was the second African American to serve as chairman and dealt with significant challenges such as the ongoing war in Ukraine and issues concerning the Middle East. He was nominated by Trump for the role of Air Force chief of staff in 2020.
The administration is looking to appoint Air Force Lt. Gen. Dan “Razin” Caine, who retired in December, as Brown’s successor. It remains uncertain what procedures are required to reinstate Caine since his confirmation by the Senate is needed for the role.
Hegseth explained that the recent dismissals involved six high-ranking generals and reflected Trump’s desire to surround himself with individuals who can effectively implement his national security strategies. He described Brown as “honorable” but remarked that he was “not the right man for the moment,” without specifying any shortcomings.
Retired General George Casey criticized the firings as “extremely destabilizing,” noting that while the president can alter Pentagon policies, changes in personnel might not have been necessary. He acknowledged that it is within the president’s rights to make such personnel decisions.
Casey stated, “That’s his prerogative. He is the commander in chief of the armed forces,” emphasizing Trump’s authority. Meanwhile, Senator Jack Reed, a leading Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, contended that the dismissals were “completely unjustified” and suggested that Trump and Hegseth aim to politicize the Department of Defense.
Hegseth was also questioned about whether there were plans to compile lists of additional officials targeted for termination. He confirmed there was no formal list but hinted that further firings could occur. He expressed a critical view of military leadership, stating, “We have a very keen eye towards military leadership and their willingness to follow lawful orders.”
Hegseth asserted, “Joe Biden gave lawful orders. A lot of them are really bad,” referring to mandates such as the COVID vaccine requirement, which he claimed weakened military ideals. He concluded by asserting, “President Trump has given another set of lawful orders and they will be followed. If they’re not followed then those officers will find the door.”