In a recent development stirring significant concern in Washington, five former U.S. Secretaries of Defense have called for immediate congressional hearings regarding President Donald Trump’s abrupt dismissals of top military officials, including the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. This call came through a letter expressing alarm over the potential politicization of the military.
The five veteran leaders who led the Defense Department across both Republican and Democratic administrations over the past 30 years—William Perry, Leon Panetta, Chuck Hagel, Jim Mattis, and Lloyd Austin—detailed that the dismissals were alarming. They argued that these actions raise serious questions about the administration’s motives and potentially erode the legal checks on presidential power.
The dismissals began last week when Trump removed Air Force Gen. CQ Brown Jr. from the role of chairman of the Joint Chiefs. In quick succession, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also dismissed Adm. Lisa Franchetti, the chief of naval operations, Gen. Jim Slife, vice chief of the Air Force, and key judge advocates general. Hegseth defended these decisions by emphasizing that a president must have the latitude to appoint military leadership he deems fit, suggesting that the judge advocates general did not align well with current military policy objectives.
The letter from the former secretaries counters this rationale, stating that the officers involved had previously received nominations from Trump himself for other positions. These leaders had built distinguished careers and brought notable operational and combat experience to their roles, adding that the dismissals appear to be politically motivated. They urged Congress to fulfill its duty and scrutinize these dismissals meticulously.
Until adequate hearings are conducted, the former secretaries suggest senators should stall the confirmation of any new Pentagon appointments, including Trump’s recent nomination, retired Lt. Gen. Dan Caine for the position of joint chiefs chairman. Although respected within military circles, Gen. Caine does not meet the legal prerequisites for this senior role; typically, the chairman must have been a combatant commander or a service chief, requirements the president can technically waive.
Chuck Hagel, associated with the GOP, and James Mattis, an independent who was Trump’s initial defense chief, joined their voices with Democratic counterparts Perry, Panetta, and Austin in authoring the letter. Of the five, four have military backgrounds, with Mattis and Austin serving as decorated four-star generals.
The letter stresses the constitutional obligation of the House and Senate to insist on a comprehensive explanation from the administration regarding these dismissals and how they comply with legislation ensuring a four-year term for the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Prior to his dismissal, Gen. CQ Brown Jr. had served under 17 months in office.
Historically, while various high-ranking military officers have been removed from their positions, such decisions have been accompanied by clear reasonings, such as strategic disagreements or issues related to nuclear oversight. In this instance, the lack of transparency and the swift nature of the dismissals have triggered concerns across military and political circles alike.
