Trump’s Transition Team Plans Massive Shakeup at Pentagon, Targeting Joint Chiefs, Senior Military Leaders

Members of President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team are reportedly preparing a sweeping restructuring of the Pentagon, which could involve the dismissal of several senior military officers, including the heads of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Reuters reported.
Sources close to the transition say this shakeup plan is still in the early stages and could change depending on how Trump’s administration takes shape, but it signals a significant shift in military leadership under the incoming administration.
This proposal comes in the wake of Trump’s criticism of military leaders who have voiced opposition to him in the past. During his campaign, Trump frequently discussed his intention to replace what he described as “woke” military leaders, citing the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal, initiated during his own administration, as a prime example of ineffective leadership.
Although it is unclear whether Trump will fully endorse this plan, some within his transition team see it as essential to realigning the military’s senior leadership with the administration’s priorities. Trump’s campaign did not immediately comment on these reports, leaving questions about the extent to which he supports these plans.
Two Reuters sources familiar with the transition process have indicated that the restructuring may target military leaders perceived as loyal to former Joint Chiefs Chairman General Mark Milley, who recently made headlines after a book by journalist Bob Woodward quoted him describing Trump as “fascist to the core.”
Milley has since become a target among Trump’s allies. One source said, “Every single person that was elevated and appointed by Milley will be gone,” suggesting that officers promoted under Milley’s influence are viewed with suspicion by Trump’s circle.
The Reuters sources suggest that Milley’s appointments might be seen as obstacles to Trump’s agenda, and removing these individuals could create a chain reaction across the Pentagon, resulting in one of the most significant personnel shifts in recent military history.
If carried out, this shakeup could also extend to Milley’s successor, Air Force General C.Q. Brown.
Pete Hegseth, a Fox News commentator and Trump’s reported pick for Secretary of Defense, has publicly questioned Brown’s qualifications, implying that his selection was influenced by race.
Hegseth, in his book “The War on Warriors,” speculated on whether Brown’s promotion was due to “his skin color or his skill,” adding a layer of racial controversy to the potential dismissals.
A highly controversial appointment, if confirmed as defense secretary, Hegseth would have authority over the Pentagon’s personnel decisions, which could expedite the changes Trump’s team reportedly envisions.
Beyond individuals, some within the transition team have argued for a reduction in the size of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. A source close to the transition described the current Pentagon leadership as bureaucratically “bloated,” suggesting that such a downsizing would align with a broader Trump initiative to cut what they view as excessive federal staffing.
This approach harkens back to the US’s rapid military appointments that occurred during World War II, with Trump’s advisors arguing that the military does not lack qualified leaders willing to step into these senior roles.
However, critics argue that firing multiple senior military officials simultaneously could destabilize the Pentagon, particularly dangerous given the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
One source highlighted the logistical challenges of dismissing and replacing so many high-ranking officials, suggesting that the proposed plan may be a “bluster” or posturing by Trump’s allies rather than a feasible action plan.
Others worry about the potential for disruption at a time when the U.S. military’s global responsibilities require steady leadership.
Despite these concerns, Trump’s team appears determined to enact significant changes within the Pentagon. One source close to the transition stated that the goal is to eliminate Milley’s influence entirely and restore what they view as a commitment to Trump’s vision of a more streamlined, loyal Pentagon leadership.
The possible shakeup could mark an unprecedented shift in the structure of the U.S. military’s top command, with Trump’s team believing that the incoming administration needs leaders aligned with Trump’s isolationist defense philosophy.