Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth Announces 20% Cut to Generals and Admirals

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a 20 percent reduction in the number of U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, National Guard, reserve, pilot, and Special Forces flag officers.

The Hill

Republican senators on the Armed Services and Appropriations committees said they were blindsided. Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) noted he learned of the reduction only shortly before the announcement and questioned the lack of prior consultation. Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) warned that the cuts could disproportionately affect women and people of color, calling the approach “targeted on ideology.” Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) complained that Hegseth “failed to respect Congress” and had not given “fulsome briefings.” Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) asked for a detailed justification, emphasizing the need to align reductions with evolving readiness requirements.

The Hill

Hegseth defended the policy, saying it promotes “accountability” and will modernize the senior leadership structure. He also highlighted record-setting recruiting and retention rates across all services.

The Hill

• “I wouldn’t have made that a priority if I had been asked,” — Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Roger Wicker

The Hill

• “Too much time has passed, and he’s failed to respect Congress. He’s never really given us fulsome briefings,” — Sen. Thom Tillis

The Hill

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) is negotiating the FY 2025 defense appropriations bill amid Democratic opposition to the Iran conflict. Meanwhile, the nomination of Hung Cao as acting Navy Secretary faces a congressional waiver requirement, needing a 60-vote threshold and at least seven Democratic votes before confirmation can proceed.

The Hill