Since Donald Trump's first term, top Pentagon officials have been viewed as the 'adults in the room,' a last line of defense against impulsive presidential whims. Now, after an unprecedented wave of firings compared by some to Stalin's purges, the Pentagon brass no longer seem like a reliable bulwark.
Hegseth's Purge
Since Trump returned to office in January last year, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has fired or forcibly retired 24 generals and senior commanders with no performance-related reason given. About 60% have been Black or female, driven by the administration's onslaught against DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) hires. Yet the officers forced out have impeccable reputations. The most recent victim was Gen Randy George, the army chief of staff, ousted after refusing to obey Hegseth's instruction to strike four officers from a promotion list.
The firings began with General CQ Brown, chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, a Black distinguished former air force commander. He was replaced by Dan Caine, a three-star general who had retired and was quickly promoted to earn a fourth star, though some say he lacks qualifications. Among female officers removed was Lisa Franchetti, the first woman to be chief of naval operations.
Isolation and Fear
Insiders portray Hegseth as increasingly isolated within the Pentagon, surrounded by a small coterie of close friends and relatives. He is often accompanied by his wife, Jennifer, a former Fox News producer, and his brother Phil, whom he appointed as senior adviser. Hegseth focuses on issues like shaking up chaplain services, invoking 'Christ is king.'
Military analysts say the firings align with Project 2025, a radical blueprint by the Heritage Foundation. 'They want to create ideologically pure armed forces, pliant to the president,' said retired Maj Gen Paul Eaton, warning it could hinder US operational capacity, especially against Iran.
Concerns Over Nuclear Command
Veterans worry about threats to carry out war crimes, as Trump recently vowed to devastate Iran's civilian infrastructure. Some question whether senior figures like Caine can resist. 'All the retired officers I know are seriously concerned,' said former Army Col Kevin Carroll.
Joe Cirincione, a nuclear non-proliferation expert, called for new rules on nuclear strikes, noting that the president has sole unfettered authority. 'Relying on the military to refuse an illegal order is not an adequate barrier.'
In 1974, Defense Secretary James Schlesinger ordered senior military to check any nuclear commands with him during Nixon's Watergate crisis. Today, such restraint seems unlikely from Hegseth, who caters to Trump's every wish. 'This is just disarray. It's crazy,' said Carroll.
