Conservative group compiles list of “woke” senior officers they want Pete Hegseth to fire
As Pete Hegseth continues to garner support for his nomination to lead the Department of Defense, a conservative research group has put together a list of senior officers they believe should be removed from their positions if Hegseth is confirmed as the head of the Pentagon. The American Accountability Foundation (AAF) sent a letter to Hegseth containing the names of 20 general officers and senior admirals who they claim are excessively focused on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, which they consider to be left-wing ideologies. Among the 20 individuals listed, eight are women.
The individuals on the list appear to have been targeted for their public comments on diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as for sharing posts that promote these values. AAF argues that these policies are a hindrance to national security, while some military leaders have expressed concerns about the list.
In a letter dated Tuesday, AAF President Thomas Jones wrote to Hegseth, stating that the “woke takeover of the military is a major threat to our national security.” He emphasized that as global tensions escalate, with Iran, Russia, and China posing significant military threats, the military cannot afford to be distracted by leftist ideology. Jones called for the dismissal of those responsible for implementing these policies.
The term “woke” is often used to describe progressive stances on race, gender, and other sensitive issues. The AAF has made it clear that they believe these “woke” leaders should be removed from their positions immediately, as they believe that DEI initiatives in the military could lead to fatalities.
Hegseth, a former Minnesota National Guard officer who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, has aligned himself with President Trump’s efforts to eliminate programs that promote diversity in the military. He has been vocal about his opposition to DEI policies, arguing that they detract from the military’s focus on war preparedness and meritocracy.
If confirmed as defense secretary, Hegseth would oversee 1.3 million active-duty service members and nearly 1 million civilian employees. Some of the individuals on the AAF’s list include Air Force Col. Ben Jonsson, Navy Vice Admiral Jeffery Hughes, and Air Force Maj. Gen. Elizabeth Arledge, who have all been criticized for their public statements on diversity and inclusion.
The AAF’s stance has sparked controversy, with some expressing concerns about the potential consequences of singling out military leaders. Former Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel warned that such actions could have far-reaching implications, potentially causing military members to prioritize their own survival over their mission.
Despite reports that President Trump may consider nominating Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis as defense secretary instead of Hegseth, the nominee remains undeterred. Hegseth has stated that he is prepared to continue fighting for his nomination and to bring the Pentagon back to what he believes it should be.
In conclusion, the debate surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion in the military continues to be a contentious issue, with conflicting views on how these initiatives impact national security. As the nomination process unfolds, it remains to be seen how the incoming administration will address these concerns and whether changes will be made to the military’s approach to DEI policies.
