Trump Administration Fires Top Military Leaders and Legal Advisors in Sweeping Pentagon Shakeup

The removal of senior officials, including the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and top military lawyers, raises concerns about politicization and potential legal ramifications.

President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed six senior military officials, including General Charles Q. Brown, Admiral Lisa Franchetti, and General James Slife, as well as the top legal advisors for the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
The firings have drawn criticism for undermining military independence and potentially violating norms that separate military operations from political influence.
Experts warn that replacing experienced legal advisors with loyalists could weaken adherence to military law and international legal standards, raising fears of unchecked executive power.
Critics, including lawmakers and military experts, describe the actions as a dangerous precedent, with some labeling it a step toward autocracy and a threat to the apolitical nature of the military.
The Senate will need to confirm replacements for the vacant positions, including a controversial nominee for Chairman of the Joint Chiefs who does not meet legal qualifications without a presidential waiver.