US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a 20 percent reduction in the number of US generals and admirals, citing the need for "accountability" and a focus on war-fighting. The move is part of a broader effort to reshape the military and eliminate what Hegseth described as "woke" policies. The reductions amount to a 10 percent cut in generals and admirals across the force, and an additional 10 percent reduction in overall general officer slots.
Hegseth made the announcement at the Quantico military base, telling troops that the cuts targeted officers who failed to adapt to his approach. He described the reductions as an "accomplishment" and said that the media's characterization of the move as a "purge" was unfair. According to Hegseth, top officers who responded positively to his previous speech are now leading "newly focused and newly empowered and disciplined formations."
The move is part of a larger shake-up of the US military, which has seen significant changes in leadership over the past year. Hegseth has argued that the Pentagon's bureaucracy is top-heavy and in need of cuts, and has overseen the departure of several senior officers, including the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the heads of the US Army, Navy, and Coast Guard.
Hegseth's comments have sparked controversy, with some critics accusing him of politicizing the military. In a speech last year, Hegseth said that the US military was too focused on "woke" ideas and in need of a major shake-up. He also described the military as being "too fat" and in need of a more disciplined approach.
The Pentagon's latest available figures show that there were 851 active duty US generals and admirals as of the end of July 2026, up from 831 at the end of May 2025. It is unclear whether the 20 percent cuts have been completed or are still ongoing, with the Pentagon saying that it has "nothing further to provide beyond the secretary's comments."
Hegseth's efforts to reshape the military have been closely watched, particularly given the concerns about the potential politicization of the traditionally neutral US military. Democratic lawmakers have raised concerns about the departures of senior officers, and some have accused Hegseth of using the military for political purposes.
The changes in leadership have also raised questions about the future direction of the US military. Hegseth has emphasized the need for a more focused and disciplined approach, and has said that the military will no longer prioritize "woke" policies. The implications of these changes are still unclear, but it is evident that the US military is undergoing a significant transformation under Hegseth's leadership.
Key points
- The US military has cut 20 percent of its generals and admirals
- The cuts are part of a broader effort to reshape the military and eliminate "woke" policies
- The move has sparked controversy and concerns about the politicization of the military
