Hegseth orders 20% reduction in Senior US Military leadership
Trump-era defense reforms take a sharp turn as Pete Hegseth slashes top military brass and redirects billions toward high-tech weapons and border security—sparking fierce debate over America’s future battlefield strategy.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced a sweeping reorganization of military leadership, ordering a 20% cut in four-star generals and a 10% reduction across all general and flag officers. The reform aims to streamline command structures and increase operational efficiency, aligning with President Donald Trump’s national security agenda. The plan also includes a 20% reduction in National Guard generals. The move has been branded “Less Generals, More Soldiers” to emphasize its goal.
The reform will roll out in two phases. The first phase focuses on the immediate reduction of senior military ranks, while the second involves revisiting the Unified Command Plan. This may include consolidating U.S. Africa Command and U.S. European Command. Hegseth argues that general officer numbers have grown disproportionately since WWII. The goal is to recalibrate leadership to match actual troop deployment.
Pentagon faces backlash over $50B cuts and command shake-up favoring Trump-era priorities
Critics, including lawmakers and defense experts, have raised concerns about the plan. Representative Seth Moulton warned that bypassing congressional consultation risks politicizing the armed forces. Others fear the reforms may undermine military morale and leadership stability. The scale and speed of implementation have sparked debate in Washington.
In addition to leadership cuts, Hegseth has ordered the Pentagon to find $50 billion in budget reductions. These funds would be redirected to Trump administration priorities like a U.S. “Iron Dome” missile defense system and enhanced border security. Programs targeting climate change and diversity are expected to be slashed as “low impact.”
Hegseth pushes high-tech military overhaul amid Trump-era reform push and rising criticism
Hegseth’s strategy also includes modernizing the military with high-tech warfare capabilities. This involves expanding drone swarm technology and developing hypersonic weapons. There is also a shift away from manned helicopters toward long-range precision strike capabilities. These changes aim to prepare U.S. forces for future conflicts, especially in the Indo-Pacific.
Overall, the reforms reflect a bold attempt to reshape the U.S. military in line with Trump-era defense priorities. While the Pentagon pursues greater efficiency and modernization, critics argue the process risks undermining institutional trust. The coming months will test whether this strategy enhances readiness—or sparks deeper controversy.
