Five former US defense secretaries call Trump's military dismissals 'reckless'
Pete Hegseth, US Defense Secretary (Photo: Getty Images)
Five former US defense secretaries condemned Donald Trump's dismissal of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General C.Q. Brown, and other senior military officials, calling it "reckless" and politically motivated. According to Reuters, they argued that the dismissals undermine military apoliticism and national security.
In a joint letter, they stated, "President Trump's actions undermine our all-volunteer force and weaken our national security. These leaders are being fired for purely partisan reasons," warning that the move could discourage military service and damage national security.
"We write to urge the US Congress to hold Mr. Trump to account for these reckless actions and to exercise fully its Constitutional oversight responsibilities," they wrote.
The letter was signed by James Mattis, William Perry, Leon Panetta, Chuck Hagel, and Lloyd Austin, representing both Republican and Democratic administrations. They urged Congress to investigate the firings and block the confirmation of Trump's nominee, retired General Dan Caine, as the new Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
The firings also included the removal of Admiral Lisa Franchetti, the first female head of a military service, raising further questions about the motives behind the shakeup. The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Backlash against Trump's policies
Meanwhile, Europe stands at the start of a new era due to Trump, as his policies continue to reshape global alliances and influence geopolitical challenges.
Domestically, the firings have sparked political resistance, with Republicans in Congress openly opposing Trump's actions. This internal dissent reflects growing divisions within the Republican Party.
Additionally, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva criticized Trump for his stance on military and foreign policy, further illustrating the international backlash against his decisions.
