Trump’s Transition Team Planning Major Shakeup at the Pentagon, Eyeing Top Military Officers for Removal
President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team is reportedly drafting a list of high-ranking military officers to be removed, potentially including the Joint Chiefs of Staff. This move, if pursued, could lead to an unprecedented restructuring of Pentagon leadership, according to two sources familiar with the early transition plans.
Since his November 5 election win, Trump’s team has been contemplating these firings as part of broader efforts to reshape Pentagon leadership. While still in preliminary stages, the plans reflect Trump’s criticisms of defense leaders, particularly those who opposed his policies or leadership style. Trump’s long-standing stance against “woke” generals and those associated with the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal appears to be influencing this potential overhaul. However, whether Trump himself will endorse this drastic course of action remains uncertain.
The Trump campaign has yet to respond to requests for comment.
Milley-Connected Officers in Focus
Sources close to the transition suggest the plan may target officers perceived as allies or appointees of Mark Milley, Trump’s former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Milley, who faced criticism from Trump’s camp following remarks published in Bob Woodward’s recent book, allegedly labeled Trump “fascist to the core.” As a result, Milley is reportedly at the center of the transition team’s purge list.
“Everyone that was elevated and appointed by Milley will be gone,” one source revealed, adding that a detailed list of Milley-connected personnel is being compiled.
Defense Secretary Pick Pete Hegseth Signals Intent to “Clean House”
Trump has tapped Fox News commentator and veteran Pete Hegseth as his incoming Defense Secretary, highlighting his intentions to shake up Pentagon leadership. Known for challenging established military authority, Hegseth has advocated for sweeping changes within the Pentagon, particularly in his recent book, The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free.
“The next president of the United States needs to radically overhaul Pentagon senior leadership to prepare us to defend our nation and defeat our enemies. Lots of people need to be fired,” Hegseth wrote.
Targeting General C.Q. Brown
Among those reportedly under consideration for removal is Air Force General C.Q. Brown, Milley’s successor. Hegseth has questioned Brown’s qualifications, suggesting that his race may have influenced his appointment. This sentiment has drawn criticism, but the transition team appears ready to proceed with Brown’s removal, with the first source stating, “The chiefs of the Joint Chiefs and all the vice chiefs will be fired immediately.”
Potential Disruptions and Bureaucratic Hurdles
The prospect of such an extensive shakeup has raised concerns among current and former U.S. officials, who caution that the changes could bring disruption amid global instability. The first source acknowledged that bureaucratic challenges could complicate a mass firing and replacement of senior Pentagon officials, hinting that some of the rhetoric may be more posturing than actionable strategy.
However, proponents within Trump’s circle argue that the Joint Chiefs are replaceable, claiming that the organization’s size and structure can handle turnover without compromising operational integrity. “These people are very replaceable. In World War II, we rapidly appointed people in their 30s as generals—and we won the war,” the second source noted.
Pentagon Turmoil Ahead?
As Trump’s transition takes shape, Pentagon officials are bracing for a turbulent shift in military leadership. With high-ranking officers potentially on the line and a defense secretary nominee prepared to “clean house,” the coming months may bring one of the most significant restructurings of U.S. military leadership in recent history. Whether these plans will come to fruition remains uncertain, but the prospect of a Pentagon overhaul has already sent ripples through the nation’s defense community.