Hegseth Summons Top US Military Leaders
Hegseth Abruptly Summons Senior U.S. Military Leaders Amid Pentagon Shake-Up
WASHINGTON – Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has ordered the nation’s top generals and admirals to gather on short notice, a move that has stirred uncertainty among senior military officials.
The reason for the sudden meeting remains unclear, with two officials acknowledging that the lack of information has unsettled those expected to attend. Many of the officers command thousands of troops and plan their schedules weeks in advance, but those plans have now been disrupted.
“People are scrambling to change their plans and see if they have to attend,” one U.S. official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
While it is not yet known how many officers will actually be present, it is unusual to see such a large number of senior leaders gathered in one room. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed only that Hegseth will address his top commanders early next week but declined to answer questions on the purpose, timing, or number of attendees.
The directive comes as former President Donald Trump has ordered the Pentagon to officially adopt the name “Department of War,” a change that would require congressional approval.
Hegseth, a former Fox News host, has moved aggressively to remake the Pentagon since taking office. He fired several high-ranking officers, including Air Force General C.Q. Brown, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in February. That shake-up also saw five other generals and admirals dismissed.
In the months since, Hegseth has removed additional senior commanders, including the head of the Pentagon’s intelligence agency. In May, he ordered sweeping cuts to senior ranks, mandating a 20% reduction in four-star officers, with further cuts across the National Guard and other branches.
“More generals and admirals do not lead to more success,” Hegseth said at the time.
With many of those same leaders now summoned under one roof, officials say the lack of clarity is adding to the unease. “It’s probably more mundane than people think,” one official noted, “but the lack of clarity isn’t helping.”
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