WASHINGTON — Military officials are expressing concern over a list of senior military officers compiled by a conservative organization, which has requested that Pete Hegseth be instructed to remove them if he takes the role of Pentagon leader.
The American Accountability Foundation’s list includes 20 general officers and senior admirals, notably featuring a significant number of female officers. The existence of this list is having a detrimental impact on open discussions within the Pentagon, as leaders contemplate how to manage the threats of possible dismissals and diversity issues following the upcoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump.
Individuals named on the list are often cited for their public statements about diversity, made during interviews or at various events, as well as for their engagement in social media dialogue promoting inclusivity.
Tom Jones, a former aide to Republican senators and the foundation’s leader, described the individuals on the list as staunch supporters of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, which he argues are problematic.
“The nominee has been explicit that such ideologies should not exist within the military,” stated Jones as he referred to Hegseth.
Hegseth has openly supported initiatives to dismantle programs that promote diversity and to remove individuals who embody these principles. Other nominees from Trump’s circle, such as Kash Patel for the director of the FBI, have also hinted at purging government officials who are not aligned with Trump’s agenda.
However, Hegseth is currently struggling to uphold his nomination, facing serious allegations concerning excessive alcohol consumption and sexual misconduct, in addition to his controversial views on women’s roles in combat. Throughout the week, he has been actively seeking the backing of Republican senators, crucial for his confirmation, by participating in radio discussions and publishing opinion pieces.
Some military personnel have voiced concerns regarding DEI initiatives, indicating that such programs add to their workload. The Pentagon is still striving for a general officer corps that mirrors the diverse racial and gender composition of the country.
A defense official, speaking on the condition of anonymity given the sensitive nature of the list, indicated that military leaders wish to engage in deeper discussions on these matters once Trump assumes office. They are ready to offer further context to the new administration.
Former Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel commented that this public targeting of officers could result in far-reaching consequences. He emphasized that if military personnel feel under threat, their focus would shift from mission objectives to simply surviving in their roles.
“You will drive people out,” Hagel expressed. “The impact on morale can be profound, creating a negative atmosphere throughout the organization.”
The list, which initially surfaced in media reports, comprises nine general officers from the Air Force, seven admirals from the Navy, and four Army generals. Notably, eight of these individuals are women, despite females constituting only 17% of the military workforce. The list did not include any Marine officers.
Among those targeted was a female Navy officer recognized for her speech at a 2015 Women’s Equality Day event, highlighting the male-dominated nature of Congress and advocating that “diversity is our strength.” This phrase has been a common talking point among military officers discussing the importance of a diverse force encompassing various educational backgrounds, geographical origins, and genders.
Another officer, a white Air Force colonel, was criticized for an opinion piece addressing racial biases after George Floyd’s death, while a female officer faced scrutiny for her social media posts supporting LGBTQ rights and honoring the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
The list also identifies an Army officer who visited historically Black colleges to enhance intelligence recruitment and an Air Force officer noted for co-chairing a diversity task force aimed at Asian-Pacific Islanders.
Karoline Leavitt, representing the Trump transition team, commented that no policy should be considered official unless it has been directly communicated by President Trump himself.
In a recent interview, Hegseth revealed that Trump expressed a desire for a “warfighter” who could eliminate what he termed “woke nonsense” from the military.
On social media, Trump recently endorsed Hegseth, proclaiming that he would serve as a dynamic Secretary of Defense and highlighting him as “a WINNER.”
Jones previously indicated that the American Accountability Foundation was investigating numerous federal employees believed to be antagonistic towards Trump’s policies, aligning with a broad conservative framework for future governance.
A letter sent by Jones to Hegseth underscored the urgency of “purging the woke from the military,” highlighting concerns about geopolitical tensions and emphasizing the need for a military that is not diverted by what he terms leftist ideologies, as the nation’s security remains paramount.
Many conservatives argue that the federal workforce has overstepped its boundaries and is becoming a central force capable of complicating or obstructing a president’s agenda. During Trump’s first term, various government officials faced scrutiny from the White House, as Trump’s administration frequently encountered resistance from its own Cabinet members regarding unorthodox or controversial proposals.