Hegseth has list of military generals, officers he wants fired
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has reportedly been compiling a list of top military generals and officers that he is considering firing, according to sources. Among the names on this list is Admiral Lisa Franchetti, the current Chief of Naval Operations and the second woman in Navy history to be promoted to a four-star Admiral.
Admiral Franchetti has an impressive background, having commanded two aircraft carrier strike groups in the Pacific, served as the commander of U.S. Naval Forces Korea, and held key positions within the Joint Staff. She played a crucial role in overseeing the Navy’s response to Syrian President Bashar al Assad’s use of chemical weapons. Admiral Michael Gilday, the former Chief of Naval Operations, praised her as a warfighter with combat experience, an operational leader, a strategist, and an innovator.
Despite her accomplishments, Hegseth has been vocal about his belief that women should not serve in combat roles. This stance has raised concerns about Admiral Franchetti’s position on Hegseth’s list. However, Hegseth later clarified his comments, stating that he supports women in the military and acknowledging the valuable contributions of female service members.
In addition to Admiral Franchetti, Joint Chiefs Chairman C.Q. Brown is rumored to be on Hegseth’s list for potential firing. When questioned about this rumor, Hegseth neither confirmed nor denied Brown’s inclusion on the list, stating that he looks forward to working with him.
The timing of Hegseth’s actions has raised speculation about possible imminent firings, with some officials interpreting the postponement of a planned trip to Guantanamo Bay as a sign of impending changes. Late Friday is often when announcements of firings are made in Washington, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the situation.
As the list continues to circulate among congressional Republicans, the potential impact on the military’s leadership structure remains unclear. The controversy surrounding Hegseth’s intentions and the individuals named on his list underscores the importance of maintaining stability and continuity within the military’s top ranks. It is essential to prioritize the effectiveness and readiness of the armed forces while ensuring that decisions regarding leadership changes are made thoughtfully and strategically.
