Hegseth Ousts 80-Plus Officers, Creating Pentagon Climate of Fear
Updated
Updated · PBS NewsHour · Sep 1
Hegseth Ousts 80-Plus Officers, Creating Pentagon Climate of Fear
3 articles · Updated · PBS NewsHour · Sep 1
Summary
Frank Kendall said Pete Hegseth’s removal of over two dozen senior officers without cause is unprecedented and has created a Pentagon-wide “climate of fear.”
Kendall said that fear is chilling candid military advice, with officers more likely to tell leaders what they want to hear because they worry about losing jobs or promotions.
Army Secretary Dan Driscoll’s resignation and other vacancies leave day-to-day operations intact, he said, but major strategic decisions on Army policy, budget and structure are effectively on hold.
Kendall also said the administration has installed loyal legal advisers, leaving commanders exposed if they resist orders they believe are unlawful or unethical.
Earlier reports put the purge at more than 80 generals and admirals—about 10% of the military’s top officers—intensifying scrutiny of Hegseth’s effort to reshape Pentagon leadership.