Extensive Overhaul: Key Military and Civilian Leaders Depart Under Hegseth’s Defense Secretary Tenure

POLICY WIRE — Washington, D.C. — Since Pete Hegseth assumed the role of defense secretary at the start of the second Trump administration, at least 20 generals, admirals, and civilian defense leaders have either been dismissed or have left their positions.

Among those affected are some of the military’s most distinguished leaders, including the highest-ranking officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, as well as commanders of critical units. The top civilian officials of the Army and Navy have also been forced out or have resigned.

Hegseth, who previously criticized military officers for focusing too much on diversity initiatives and not enough on frontline service members, had declared that any general or admiral involved in “DEI woke s***” should be removed. He has also dismissed officials suspected of leaking to the media.

Air Force General Charles Q. Brown, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was abruptly fired by President Trump in February 2025, despite having more than 3,100 flight hours and being only the second Black general to hold the position. Trump replaced him with Air Force Gen. Dan Caine.

Navy Admiral Lisa Franchetti, the first woman to be part of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the second to be promoted to four-star admiral, was relieved of her duties without explanation on the same day as Brown’s firing.

General James Slife, the Air Force vice chief of staff, was also dismissed. Slife, with over 3,100 flight hours, had previously commanded the Air Force Special Operations Command.

General Randy George, the Army’s chief of staff, was asked to retire immediately in April. George, a career infantry officer, had served in multiple conflicts and was senior military assistant to former Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.

General David Allvin, the Air Force chief of staff, retired early in November, halfway through his term. An Air Force spokesperson clarified that Hegseth’s office was not involved in the decision.

Hegseth also terminated the judge advocates general of the Army and Air Force, citing a need for lawyers who are not “roadblocks” and calling for a “hard reset” on the military’s legal department.

Admiral Alvin Holsey, head of U.S. Southern Command, retired after overseeing operations in Central and South America. General Christopher Donahue, head of U.S. Army Europe and Africa, and Air Force General Timothy Haugh, NSA director and head of U.S. Cyber Command, were among other high-profile dismissals.

Several other military and civilian leaders, including the head of the Defense Intelligence Agency and the senior military assistant to the Secretary of Defense, were also removed from their positions.

Hegseth’s actions have led to significant turnover within the Department of Defense, with many departures occurring under unclear circumstances.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)