Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated over the weekend that while there is no formal list of Pentagon officials targeted for dismissal, any military leaders unwilling to execute President Donald Trump’s lawful orders will be removed from their positions.
In an interview on “Fox News Sunday,” Hegseth addressed rumors of a purge within the Department of Defense. “There’s no list, Shannon. I’ve heard that. I’ve seen that very rumor,” Hegseth said. “Although, we have a very keen eye toward military leadership and their willingness to follow lawful orders.”
Hegseth emphasized the administration’s commitment to constitutional governance, contrasting the current directives with those from the previous administration. “This is all about defending the Constitution,” he noted. “Joe Biden gave lawful orders. A lot of them are really bad. And it’s unfortunate how they eroded our military. Ideological COVID mandates.”
He further asserted that President Trump’s directives are clear and must be adhered to. “President Trump has given another set of lawful orders. And they will be followed,” Hegseth continued. “If they’re not followed, and all these orders are in keeping with the Constitution and norms inside the military. If they’re not followed, then those officers will find the door.”
Hegseth expressed confidence in the Pentagon’s current trajectory under President Trump’s leadership, highlighting a renewed focus on core military objectives. “We feel really good about the direction the Pentagon is headed under President Trump,” he concluded. “We’re going to focus on warfighting and lethality and accountability. And be the most transparent Pentagon that folks have seen in a long time, which is why I explain these things on a regular basis.”
These remarks come amid reports of potential restructuring within the Pentagon, including considerations of removing top generals involved in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Hegseth has been vocal about redirecting resources from what he terms “woke programs” to priorities aligned with the administration’s defense strategy.
The administration’s stance has elicited varied reactions from lawmakers and defense officials, reflecting the ongoing debate over the military’s direction and leadership under the current administration.
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