Members of President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team are reportedly creating a list of senior military officials to be dismissed, potentially including the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in what could be an unprecedented reorganization at the Pentagon, according to two anonymous sources familiar with the plan.
The transition team is in the early stages of planning these firings following Trump’s recent election victory, with the details still subject to change as the new administration takes shape. One source expressed doubts about the feasibility of such large-scale dismissals within the Pentagon.
It’s uncertain if Trump will ultimately endorse the plan, although he has previously criticized defense leaders who opposed him and spoken of removing “woke” generals, especially those involved in the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal. The Trump campaign has yet to comment.
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The incoming administration may target officers connected to Trump’s former chairman of the Joint Chiefs, Mark Milley, who has been criticized by Trump’s allies after reportedly calling Trump a “fascist” in Bob Woodward’s recent book War. “Anyone appointed by Milley will be gone,” said one source, describing a detailed list of those affiliated with him.
This plan follows Trump’s selection of Pete Hegseth, a Fox News commentator and military veteran, as defense secretary. Hegseth, who has advocated for a major Pentagon overhaul in his book The War on Warriors, has voiced support for extensive leadership changes to enhance military readiness.
Among those reportedly set for removal is Milley’s successor, Air Force General CQ Brown. Hegseth has publicly questioned Brown’s qualifications, speculating about his appointment’s connection to race. One source said the Joint Chiefs’ heads and vice chiefs would likely be the first to go, although this remains in the planning stages.
While some current and former officials doubt such dismissals are necessary, especially amid global conflicts, Trump allies believe downsizing the Joint Chiefs could streamline Pentagon operations.
