Trump's military purge reaches highest level of Pentagon

Air Force Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr., chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff speaks to members of the Pentagon Press Corps during a press briefing at the Pentagon. (Photo by U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jack Sanders)

Since President Donald Trump’s second term began in January, the Pentagon has experienced an unprecedented series of high-profile dismissals, signaling a significant shift in U.S. military leadership. These actions have sparked widespread criticism regarding their implications for military cohesion and readiness and the apolitical nature of the armed forces.

On Feb. 21, Trump fired the highest-ranking officer in the military, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr. Brown, the second African American to hold this position, had a distinguished career as a fighter pilot and previously served as the chief of staff of the Air Force. His tenure as Joint Chiefs chairman lasted approximately 16 months.

Simultaneously, Adm. Lisa Franchetti, the chief of naval operations and first woman to serve on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was relieved of her duties. Franchetti’s appointment in November 2023 had marked a milestone for gender representation in the military’s upper echelons.

Gen. James Slife, the vice chief of staff of the Air Force, was among others dismissed in the leadership overhaul.

Perhaps more concerning was the targeted dismissal of the top judge advocates general of the Army, Navy and Air Force — the legal officers responsible for ensuring that military operations comply with domestic and international laws. Lt. Gen. Charles Pede, the Army JAG, Vice Adm. John G. Hannink, the Navy JAG, and Lt. Gen. Jeffrey A. Rockwell, the Air Force JAG, were terminated in an unprecedented purge of military lawyers.

Their removal raises concerns about the consequences for military conduct and the rule of law. JAG officers advise military leaders on lawful conduct, and their absence could diminish the U.S. military’s capacity to oversee and enforce legal standards.

The firings have elicited strong reactions from current and former defense officials. Five former secretaries of defense in February called on Congress to hold immediate hearings to scrutinize the dismissals. They said the actions appear politically motivated and could undermine the apolitical nature of the military.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has defended the firings, saying they are within the president’s authority to shape his team. But the administration has not released specific reasons for targeting the JAG officers.