Trump defence chief says US slashed number of generals and admirals by 20%

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Wednesday that the number of generals and admirals in the United States has been reduced by 20 percent. Hegseth stated that this move is intended to promote "accountability" within the military. He suggested that the reductions targeted officers who did not support his initiative to refocus the military on war-fighting, moving away from what he described as "woke" policies of prior administrations. Hegseth characterized these reductions as an "accomplishment."

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced plans to reduce the number of generals and admirals by 20%. Speaking at Marine Corps Base Quantico, he stated that the military would no longer tolerate "fatties, trannies, beardos, weirdos, wimps, or radicals," emphasizing a focus on training, readiness, accountability, discipline, and lethality. Hegseth dismissed reports of low morale as false claims and highlighted high retention rates. He also criticized Ivy League universities as "DEI-worshipping woke factories" and announced new Pentagon partnerships with institutions like Liberty University and Hillsdale College to study the future of warfare. These statements come amid concerns about mental health and extended deployments, such as on the USS Abraham Lincoln.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth plans to reduce the number of general and admiral positions in the US military by 20 percent, affecting approximately 800 roles. This move, expected to be announced soon, doubles a previous 10 percent reduction. While proponents argue it streamlines bureaucracy and reduces administrative layers, analysts suggest it could be an effort to sideline experienced commanders and promote loyalty to President Trump. This follows a pattern of dismissals and retirements of senior military leaders under the current administration. Critics, including Senator Mark Kelly, express concern that these cuts could lead to a loss of valuable leadership experience within the military.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth plans to reduce the number of U.S. general and admiral positions by 20 percent. This decision will affect leadership across the Army, Navy, and Air Force and is expected to be announced during his "State of the Force" address at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia. The reduction aims to streamline leadership and remove bureaucratic layers. This move follows a previous 10 percent reduction ordered last year, with the total decrease to be completed by January 1, 2027. Reports indicate these cuts could impact the careers of hundreds of military leaders through firings and denied promotions, and come amidst a period of significant leadership changes within the Pentagon.