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Five former U.S. defense secretaries have strongly criticized President Donald Trump for firing the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and other senior military leaders, calling the move “reckless” and politically motivated. In a letter, they warned that Trump’s actions undermine national security and threaten the military’s apolitical nature.
The letter was signed by James Mattis, William Perry, Leon Panetta, Chuck Hagel, and Lloyd Austin—defense chiefs who served under Democratic administrations. They accused Trump of using firings to remove legal constraints on presidential power, jeopardizing the military’s integrity.
Trump dismissed General C.Q. Brown, the second Black officer to serve as chairman, less than halfway through his term. Admiral Lisa Franchetti, the first woman to lead the Navy, was also removed. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, known for opposing Pentagon diversity initiatives, defended the firings, stating that Trump has the right to choose his team.
The former defense secretaries urged Congress to investigate the national security risks of these dismissals and block new Defense Department confirmations, including Trump’s pick, retired Lt. Gen. Dan Caine. They warned that Trump’s actions could discourage military service and stifle dissent within the ranks.
Since returning to office on January 20, Trump has fired hundreds of officials to reshape the government with loyalists. The White House has yet to comment on the controversy. Congress, where Trump’s Republican Party holds the majority, faces pressure to intervene.
As the Senate prepares for Caine’s confirmation, tensions grow over Trump’s influence on military leadership. The outcome could have lasting implications for U.S. national security and the military’s independence.
