Pentagon plans to dismiss generals who opposed Trump

Sources told ABC News that Hegseth is considering dismissing generals and senior officers as early as this week.

The report also notes that top military officials who worked with Hegseth’s predecessor, Lloyd Austin, to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs within the Pentagon are at risk of dismissal.

Potential candidates for dismissal

Among the possible candidates for dismissal is Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Charles Brown. A few days before Hegseth’s appointment, he had stated that Brown should be removed.

The list of generals and senior officers who might be dismissed or removed has reportedly been under discussion within the Trump administration for some time. However, the exact number of personnel affected and the timeline for these decisions remain unclear. It is also unknown whether General Brown is definitively on this list.

"Mission-critical"

According to a senior US official, one reason for these dismissals is "mission-critical." Factors such as veteran status, military spouse status, and active service status are also being considered. The process of determining exceptions and reductions is ongoing, but it remains unclear when Pentagon employees will start receiving termination notices.

Massive downsizing

Previously, US President Donald Trump ordered an audit of Pentagon and education spending. The president appointed Elon Musk as a special advisor, who was tasked with reviewing "virtually everything."

Additionally, Trump recently signed an executive order instructing federal agency heads to begin preparations for large-scale layoffs. The order aims to significantly cut the number of federal employees to reduce government spending.