Pentagon insiders share what Trump plans for military leadership in 2025
Former president aims to reshape Pentagonʼs top brass and civilian workforce after winning election. Defense department employees worry about major leadership changes and new policy directions
The post-election atmosphere at Pentagon shows growing un-ease as Donald Trumpʼs victory brings questions about military leaderships future. Defense officials (speaking without names) tell about big changes coming to both uniformed and civilian ranks
Back in June‚ Trump talked to Fox news about his plans: he wants to remove generals who dont match his views. This hits hard since many ex-military leaders like Mark Milley became his critics; now Trump even suggested Milley committed acts of treason
Current Joint Chiefs chairman C.Q. Brown might face challenges — his work on diversity after George Floyds death in 2020 and support for inclusive policies puts him at odds with new directions. Vice president-elect J.D. Vance already showed his stance by voting against Browns appointment last year
The changes could go beyond top brass. Career workers at Pentagon worry about their jobs too; theres talk about loyalty-checks and mass replacements. A high-up defense worker says: many good specialists might lose positions they held for years
Military policy shifts look big too:
- Using troops for immigrant removals
- Putting soldiers on US streets
- Changing base names back to Confederate generals
- Stopping transgender people from serving
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told troops they must follow legal orders: but experts say its not simple — soldiers cant just skip orders they think are wrong. “The military focuses on fighting not politics“ one officer notes; still changes look certain when Trump takes office next year
