In what could be a significant shakeup at the US Department of Defense, sources have revealed that members of President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team are preparing a list of senior military officers, including the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to be fired upon his inauguration.
The move, still in its early stages, is expected to target individuals perceived to be aligned with former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley, who has long been a contentious figure within Trump’s camp.
According to two sources familiar with the transition process, who spoke on condition of anonymity, the incoming administration is planning to swiftly remove high-ranking officials associated with Milley, whose tenure as the U.S. military's top officer was marked by open disagreements with the former president.
One source pointed out that a detailed list of personnel connected to Milley is already being compiled, with the aim of replacing them with new leadership that better aligns with Trump’s vision.
“There’s a very detailed list of everybody that was affiliated with Milley. And they will all be gone,” said one source. The list reportedly includes key figures within the Joint Chiefs of Staff — the highest-ranking officers overseeing the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, National Guard, and Space Force.
While the plan remains in its early stages, concerns have been raised regarding the feasibility of such a large-scale purge, particularly given the potential disruptions to military operations amid ongoing global tensions, including the war in Ukraine and the instability in the Middle East. Some critics suggest that such drastic action may undermine the military’s effectiveness at a time when cohesion and experience are critical.
This announcement comes on the heels of reports that Trump has chosen Fox News commentator Pete Hegseth as his defense secretary. Hegseth, a vocal advocate for reforming the Pentagon, has previously called for a “radical overhaul” of the senior leadership, suggesting that many individuals within the department are no longer fit for service.
In his 2024 book, The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free, Hegseth wrote, “The next president of the United States needs to radically overhaul Pentagon senior leadership to make us ready to defend our nation and defeat our enemies. Lots of people need to be fired.”
Sources say that Trump’s team is particularly focused on eliminating military officers they view as loyal to Milley, who faced criticism from Trump’s allies for his comments in Bob Woodward’s recent book, War. In the book, Milley reportedly described Trump as “fascist to the core,” which led to calls from Trump supporters for retribution against the general and others seen as disloyal.
Among the officers reportedly at risk is Air Force General C.Q. Brown, the current Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who has also faced criticism from Trump’s allies. Pete Hegseth has previously questioned whether Brown’s appointment was based on merit or race, raising doubts about his qualifications and highlighting the broader political tensions surrounding the military leadership.
Some current and former U.S. officials have downplayed the likelihood of such a massive shakeup, arguing that it would be politically and administratively impractical at a time when the military is already dealing with numerous global challenges. However, Trump’s team appears to be undeterred, with one source claiming that such changes are necessary to reduce what they perceive as bureaucratic overreach within the military.
“They are very replaceable,” said the second source, arguing that, like during World War II, there is no shortage of competent individuals ready to step into leadership roles. “In World War Two, we were very rapidly appointing people in their 30s or people competent to be generals. And you know what? We won the war.”
