Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is reportedly considering firing more than half a dozen generals and flag officers, triggering speculation of a Pentagon shake-up focused on rooting out those “involved in any of the DEI woke s***” that permeated the U.S. military during the Biden administration.
According to CNN, rumors of pending dismissals have circulated for several weeks, but a list containing the names of officers who could be let go was recently sent to Republican lawmakers. Several high-profile generals, including Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, could be on the chopping block.
In an appearance on the “Shawn Ryan Show” before his nomination, Hegseth said of Gen. Brown: “First of all, you’ve got to fire the chairman of the Joint Chiefs … But any general … that was involved in any of the DEI woke s*** has got to go … That’s the only litmus test we care about.”
Adm. Lisa Franchetti, the first woman to serve as Chief of Naval Operations, is also reportedly on the list, which could leave no female four-star officers in the U.S. military if she is removed. In his 2024 book, Hegseth wrote, “If naval operations suffer, at least we can hold our heads high … Because at least we have another first! The first female member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff — hooray.”
According to individuals familiar with Hegseth’s plan, the list presented on Capitol Hill outlines multiple potential outcomes for senior positions, including possible promotions. Gen. Samuel Paparo of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and Gen. Erik Kurilla of U.S. Central Command have each been discussed as potential replacements for Gen. Brown if a shakeup at the top occurs, though no choice has been finalized.
Meanwhile, a small contingent from the Department of Government Efficiency project has started meeting with Pentagon representatives to manage office space and coordinate budget assessments. Military planners are expected to release updated figures on proposed funding changes in the coming days as part of the ongoing discussions over reshaping defense structures.
