Hegseth plans 20% cut to generals and admirals at Pentagon, media report
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is preparing to announce plans to cut the number of generals and admirals at the Pentagon by 20%, twice the originally planned reduction, US media reported Tuesday. The announcement is expected Wednesday in a speech on the state of the armed forces.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is set to announce a 20% reduction in the number of generals and admirals at the Pentagon — double the cut originally planned — US media reported Tuesday. The official announcement is expected Wednesday during a speech on the state of the armed forces.
The Washington Post reported that the cuts could affect the careers of hundreds of current and future military leaders, given the numerous dismissals and denied promotions that have already taken place.
A tougher leadership style
Since the start of President Donald Trump's second term, Hegseth, a former Fox News commentator, has pursued a tough management style, significantly reshaping the top ranks of the armed forces through firings and demotions, according to The Washington Post. In April he dismissed Army Chief of Staff Randy George, even though the US has been in a state of war with Iran since February 28.
Just days before the war began, two members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff also lost their positions — chairman General Charles Brown Jr. and Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Lisa Franchetti. Several other senior military officials have left service through retirement or resignation, including Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, who stepped down earlier this month after repeated disagreements with Hegseth.
ABC News reported that it remains unclear how the new cuts will be implemented and whether such a sharp personnel reduction during wartime could disrupt day-to-day military operations.
