US Defense Secretary Hegseth Directs 20% Reduction in Senior Military Leadership

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced a 20% reduction in four-star generals and admirals, and a 10% cut in overall general and flag officers, including a 20% cut in National Guard generals. As of March 31, 2025, the US had 38 four-star officers. Hegseth emphasized the need to enhance strategic and operational readiness, noting the current officer-to-troop ratio far exceeds that of WWII. While not revealing specific roles to be eliminated, the move aligns with President Trump’s broader federal downsizing. Several top military leaders have been dismissed since Trump returned to office, including Joint Chiefs Chair Charles Q. Brown.