Trump Transition Team Eyes Massive Pentagon Shake-Up: Joint Chiefs of Staff on Chopping Block, Sources Reveal
In an unprecedented move, sources close to President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team reveal early plans to remove top military officials, including members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. This proposed overhaul, still in the early planning stages, could reshape Pentagon leadership in alignment with Trump’s campaign promises to rid the military of “woke” generals and those tied to the controversial Afghanistan withdrawal.
Shake-Up Could Reshape U.S. Military Leadership
President-elect Trump’s transition team is reportedly compiling a list of senior military officers who may face dismissal, potentially targeting high-ranking leaders within the Joint Chiefs of Staff, according to sources close to the planning. If enacted, this shake-up at the Pentagon would represent an unprecedented reorganization of U.S. military leadership.
The early plans, drawn up following Trump’s November 5 election victory, are being approached cautiously. One insider questioned the feasibility of mass firings at the Pentagon, given the complexity of bureaucratic transitions within the Department of Defense. It remains to be seen if Trump would back the move, adding a layer of unpredictability to the situation. However, Trump has frequently criticized military leaders who challenged his policies, particularly regarding the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal.
The Trump campaign did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Focus on Allies of Former Joint Chiefs Chairman Mark Milley
One source suggested the team might focus on officers perceived as aligned with former Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Mark Milley. Milley, who recently appeared in Bob Woodward’s book War, reportedly criticized Trump as “fascist to the core.” According to the source, this stance has led Trump’s allies to target Milley’s affiliates within the military.
“Every single person elevated or appointed by Milley will be gone,” said one insider. “There’s a detailed list of everyone affiliated with Milley, and they will all be removed.”
Defense Secretary Nominee Pete Hegseth Ready to Lead Overhaul
Trump’s recent pick for Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, a Fox News commentator and military veteran, appears prepared to enact sweeping changes. Hegseth has voiced strong opinions about Pentagon restructuring, claiming in his 2024 book, The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free, that Pentagon leadership requires a complete overhaul to address national defense needs.
“The next president must radically overhaul Pentagon senior leadership,” Hegseth writes. “Lots of people need to be fired.”
Air Force General C.Q. Brown Among Those Targeted
Among those reportedly on the list for early dismissal is Air Force General C.Q. Brown, Milley’s successor as Joint Chiefs Chairman. Hegseth has openly questioned Brown’s qualifications, stirring controversy over the racial undertones in his comments. Brown’s leadership style and decisions have been debated, with some questioning his ability to lead the Joint Chiefs effectively.
“Was it because of his skin color? Or his skill?” Hegseth pondered. “Since [Brown] has made the race card one of his biggest calling cards, it doesn’t much matter.”
Concerns Over Stability Amid Global Tensions
Some current and former officials wonder if such a drastic reorganization could create unnecessary disruption during heightened international tensions, potentially risking the stability of global affairs. However, sources hint that Trump’s camp views downsizing the Joint Chiefs as a corrective measure against perceived bureaucratic inefficiency.
“These people are replaceable,” said one insider in favor of the proposed changes, referring to high-ranking officers. “In World War II, we rapidly appointed capable leaders in their 30s. And we won the war.” This perspective underscores the belief that the U.S. military can adapt and succeed under new leadership, even in times of crisis.
Early Planning Signals Major Shift in U.S. Defense Policy
As planning continues, the prospect of sweeping military leadership changes signals a significant shift in U.S. defense policy under the incoming administration. This reorganization could redefine the role and composition of the Pentagon’s top brass, impacting the nation’s defense strategy on a broad scale.