Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth affirms military’s duty to follow President Trump’s orders, dismissing rumors of a personnel removal list.
At a Glance
- Hegseth defends President Trump’s firing of senior military officers as within presidential prerogative
- Trump administration aims to remove officers supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion programs
- Hegseth emphasizes military’s obligation to follow lawful orders from the President
- Defense Secretary denies existence of a rumored list for personnel removal
- Hegseth assures Trump’s orders align with Constitution and military norms
Hegseth Defends Trump’s Military Leadership Changes
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has staunchly defended President Donald Trump’s recent dismissal of senior military officers, including Air Force Gen. CQ Brown Jr., characterizing the move as within the normal scope of presidential authority. Appearing on Fox News Sunday, Hegseth addressed the controversy surrounding these high-profile personnel changes in the military’s top echelons.
“Nothing about this is unprecedented,” Hegseth stated, emphasizing the President’s right to select his national security advisory team.
Wow. A Defense Secretary who understands the basics. Isn’t it nice?
The Trump administration’s strategy, as outlined by Hegseth, involves removing military officers who have been supportive of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
“President Trump has given another set of lawful orders and they will be followed,” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said.
Gen. CQ Brown Jr., the second Black general to serve as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, played a crucial role in managing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and various Middle East operations. President Trump has nominated retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Dan “Razin” Caine as Brown’s replacement, pending Senate confirmation.
The U.S. military seems to believe that the Jerusalem Cross is a symbol of extremist behavior. The issue came up during a confirmation hearing for Pete Hegseth, President-elect Trump’s nominee to be Defense Secretary.
Hegseth has a tattoo of the cross on his chest — one large…
— toddstarnes (@toddstarnes) January 15, 2025
Addressing Rumors and Criticisms
During the Fox News Sunday interview, host Shannon Bream pressed Hegseth on rumors of a supposed list of military personnel slated for removal. Hegseth categorically denied the existence of such a list, while maintaining that the administration is keenly observant of military leadership’s willingness to follow lawful orders.
“There’s no list, Shannon. I’ve heard that. I’ve seen that very rumor. Although, we have a very keen eye toward military leadership and their willingness to follow lawful orders. This is all about defending the Constitution. Joe Biden gave lawful orders. A lot of them are really bad. And it’s unfortunate how they eroded our military. Ideological COVID mandates,” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said.
You tell ‘em, Hegseth!
The Defense Secretary also outlined the administration’s vision for the Pentagon under President Trump’s leadership, emphasizing a renewed focus on war-fighting capabilities, lethality, and accountability.
He assured that all orders given by the President are in keeping with the Constitution and established military norms.
“President Trump has given another set of lawful orders. And they will be followed. 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. And that’s not a tough calculation. We feel really good about the direction the Pentagon is headed under President Trump. We’re going to focus on war fighting 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,” Hegseth added.
It looks like we might end up with a military that’s actually fit for purpose!
