Republicans Decry Trump-Era Pentagon Move to Cut One-Fifth of Senior Officers

At a recent State of the Force briefing, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that the Pentagon would dismiss roughly 20 % of its generals and admirals, describing the move as a necessary removal of “fat” and “weak” leaders. Republican senators such as Armed Services Committee chair Roger Wicker and Appropriations Committee chair Susan Collins said they learned of the plan only shortly before it was made public and condemned the absence of congressional notification.

Critics argue the purge could undermine military readiness and seems motivated by political or ideological reasons, especially since more than half of those targeted are women or people of color. Collins warned that the approach threatens the merit-based promotion system that has long defined the officer corps. Thom Tillis added that Hegseth has failed to give Congress full briefings, treating lawmakers like “line workers” rather than partners. The backlash highlights growing tension between the administration’s defense policies and congressional oversight.