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Pete Hegseth replaces numerous high-ranking military and civilian leaders during the second Trump administration

The administration announced that at least 20 generals, admirals, and civilian defense leaders have departed their positions since Pete Hegseth became defense secretary. These departures include the highest-ranking officers of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, as well as key unit leaders.

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President Trump fired Air Force General Charles Q. Brown, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and replaced him with Air Force General Dan Caine. The administration also removed Navy Admiral Lisa Franchetti, Air Force General James Slife, and Army General Randy George. Defense Secretary Hegseth has expressed a desire to remove officers involved in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. The administration has disproportionately removed Black and female officers from promotion lists, resulting in no active four-star women generals or admirals currently in the military. Several leaders were ousted due to suspected media leaks or a loss of confidence in leadership. This included the removal of Navy Secretary John Phelan and the resignation of Army Secretary Dan Driscoll. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll expressed concerns that Hegseth removed several generals who were key figures in the Army's transformation efforts.

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