Hegseth fires DIA chief Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Kruse, other senior Pentagon officials
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth Fires Head of Defense Intelligence Agency Following Iran Strike Assessment
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Key Points:
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has fired Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Kruse, the head of the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), following the leak of details from a preliminary assessment of U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
- President Donald Trump had claimed that Iran’s nuclear program was “completely and fully obliterated” by the strikes, but the DIA found that the impact was less significant.
- Hegseth also removed Vice Adm. Nancy Lacore, the chief of the Navy Reserve, and Rear Adm. Milton Sands, a Navy SEAL officer, for undisclosed reasons.
- This move is part of a larger trend of Trump administration firings of military officials in recent months.
Details of the Firing:
Following the leak of DIA assessments of Operation Midnight Hammer, Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Kruse was relieved of his duties as head of the Defense Intelligence Agency. The assessment raised doubts about the effectiveness of the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, contradicting Trump’s claims of complete destruction.
Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Kruse was fired as director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, The Associated Press reported.
(AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
Hegseth’s decision to dismiss Kruse, along with the removal of Vice Adm. Nancy Lacore and Rear Adm. Milton Sands, signals a significant shakeup within the military leadership. Lacore, a Naval aviator with extensive experience, and Sands, a decorated Navy SEAL, were also let go from their positions.
Trump Administration’s Stance:
President Trump has been vocal in his support of the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, despite conflicting reports from the DIA. He has previously criticized the media for misrepresenting the success of the strikes and has emphasized the importance of national security.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth prepares to give a TV interview outside the White House. According to multiple reports, Hegseth oversaw the firing of the Defense Department’s Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Kruse on Friday.
(AP/Mark Schiefelbein)
The removal of senior military officials under the Trump administration’s leadership reflects a broader effort to ensure accountability and effectiveness within the armed forces. The implications of these firings remain to be seen as the administration continues to navigate complex national security challenges.
