Trump Plans an Unprecedented Shakeup at Pentagon Leadership: Who Will Be Fired?

Members of President-elect Donald Trump's transition team are reportedly drafting a list of military officers to be dismissed, potentially including the Joint Chiefs of Staff, according to Reuters, citing two sources. This initiative, if executed, would represent an unprecedented shakeup at the Pentagon.

The planning for these firings is in its early stages following Trump's election victory on November 5 and could evolve as his administration takes shape. Sources, who requested anonymity to discuss the plans candidly, indicated that the feasibility of a mass firing at the Pentagon remains uncertain.

Trump has previously criticized defense leaders who opposed him. During his campaign, Trump expressed dissatisfaction with generals and those responsible for the troubled 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan.

The incoming administration is expected to focus on clearing U.S. military officers perceived as connected to Mark Milley, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Milley has been a controversial figure, particularly after being quoted in Bob Woodward's book "War" as calling Trump "fascist to the core." Trump's allies have since targeted Milley for perceived disloyalty.

According to sources, the transition team has compiled a detailed list of individuals affiliated with Milley who are expected to be dismissed. This list includes the highest-ranking officers in the U.S. military, such as the heads of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, National Guard, and Space Force.

The disclosure of these plans follows Trump's selection of Pete Hegseth as his defense secretary. Hegseth, a Fox News commentator and veteran, has expressed a willingness to overhaul Pentagon leadership.

However, Hegseth's lack of management experience could complicate his Senate confirmation, and it remains uncertain whether a more traditional candidate for the position would implement such sweeping dismissals.

Hegseth has also criticized Milley's successor, Air Force General C.Q. Brown, questioning whether his appointment was influenced by his race rather than his skills. Sources indicate that Brown would be among the many officers expected to leave under the new administration.

Despite these plans, some current and former U.S. officials have downplayed the likelihood of such a significant shakeup, citing the potential for unnecessary disruption during a time of global turmoil, with conflicts ongoing in Ukraine and the Middle East.

Bureaucratic challenges also pose a significant hurdle to firing and replacing a large number of senior U.S. military officials, suggesting that the planning could be more posturing by Trump allies than a concrete strategy.

Nevertheless, sources within the Trump camp believe that the Joint Chiefs of Staff need to be reduced due to perceived bureaucratic overreach. They argue that the U.S. military, given its scale, can endure such cuts and that there is no shortage of capable individuals ready to step up.