The Biden-appointed Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and several high-ranking female officers are reportedly at risk of removal under Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.
The informal list, circulating on Capitol Hill, includes several notable figures such as Chairman General CQ Brown, Admiral Lisa Franchetti, Lieutenant General Jennifer Short, and Lieutenant General Laura Potter. The list is not yet finalized, but its circulation has already prompted concern from lawmakers and defense officials.
Why It Matters
The possible shake-up reflects broader changes within President Donald Trump‘s administration as it seeks to align military leadership with its vision. The administration’s focus on removing senior officers who emphasize diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs has fueled debate about the military’s priorities and its impact on readiness and morale.
What To Know
Rumors about upcoming military dismissals have been circulating for weeks, and a formal list of potential removals was recently shared with Republican lawmakers, a source revealed. This development suggests that the firings could happen soon. Democrats were reportedly not briefed on the matter.
NBC was the first to report the distribution of the list to lawmakers.
Brown, whose term as chairman runs until 2027, was previously criticized by Hegseth for his DEI initiatives. Despite earlier friction, Hegseth recently expressed a willingness to work with him.
Franchetti, the Navy’s first female Chief of Naval Operations and the first woman on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, could be dismissed. Hegseth previously questioned her appointment in his 2024 book.
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) ordered the military to propose an 8 percent annual budget cut over the next five years. Tens of thousands of civilian Pentagon workers could face layoffs.
Some officials fear that mass firings of civilian workers and high-level officers could harm military readiness and even violate laws.
What People Are Saying
Pete Hegseth in a November interview on the Shawn Ryan Show: “First of all, you’ve got to fire the chairman of the Joint Chiefs. But any general that was involved – general, admiral, whatever – that was involved in any of the DEI woke s*** has got to go. Either you’re in for warfighting, and that’s it. That’s the only litmus test we care about.”
Hegseth in his 2024 book The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free: “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.”
Adm. Michael Gilday, the former Chief of Naval Operations, commented when Franchetti was nominated by President Joe Biden in July 2023: “She is a war fighter with combat experience. She’s an operational leader. She’s a strategist. She’s an innovator. She’s a team builder. She’s a trailblazer. She’s an example of personal and professional resilience and a testament to the power of the American dream to inspire service and sacrifice.
What Happens Next
The Trump administration’s next steps remain uncertain, but potential promotions and replacements are reportedly under consideration. The possibility of further changes looms as lawmakers and officials weigh the impact on national security and military cohesion.
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