CNN
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Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth may soon initiate the removal of over six generals and flag officers. Sources familiar with the situation indicate that this is part of a campaign to eliminate senior personnel within the department who are deemed too political or too closely associated with former Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin.

Speculation regarding these potential dismissals has been circulating for several weeks. Recently, a formal list detailing possible terminations was disclosed to Republican lawmakers, implying that action could occur soon, according to one source. Notably, Democrats were not privy to this briefing. NBC was the first to report on the sharing of the list with lawmakers, as indicated by the source.

The list reportedly includes Gen. CQ Brown, who serves as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Hegseth previously expressed in his nomination remarks that Brown should be dismissed due to what he perceives as a “woke” emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within the military.

“First and foremost, firing the chairman of the Joint Chiefs is essential,” Hegseth stated during an appearance on the “Shawn Ryan Show” in November. “Moreover, any general, admiral, or individual involved in DEI initiatives needs to be excluded. Our only concern should be effective warfighting,” Hegseth emphasized.

However, on his first day in the Pentagon, Hegseth was seen alongside Brown, expressing his eagerness to collaborate with him.

A representative for Brown declined to provide a comment on the matter.

The circulated list also features Adm. Lisa Franchetti, the current Chief of Naval Operations and the first woman to hold this position. Franchetti’s potential dismissal would mean the military has no female four-star general, a situation not seen in years. In his latest book, Hegseth insinuated that Franchetti’s appointment was solely based on her gender.

“While naval operations may decline, we can still take pride in having another milestone! The first female member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff — what an achievement,” Hegseth remarked in his book, “The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free.”

A spokesperson for Franchetti also opted not to make a comment.

Additionally, the list being reviewed in Congress mentions potential promotions and alternatives for Brown’s position, including Gen. Samuel Paparo, who commands the US Indo-Pacific Command, and Gen. Erik Kurilla, the current leader of US Central Command, both of whom are possible contenders for Brown’s role should he be removed, sources indicate.

The anticipated dismissals, which could also affect several one-star and two-star generals, may heighten the current unrest at the Pentagon amid efforts by President Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to implement substantial cuts to the Department of Defense’s budget and staffing.

Recently, Hegseth directed military officials to develop strategies for reducing the Department of Defense’s budget by 8% annually over the next five years. Additionally, a significant number of civilian employees could be laid off soon as part of a major workforce reduction affecting probationary staff.

Some defense officials tasked with identifying civilian Pentagon staff for termination are expressing concerns that the mass firings could violate legal standards and negatively impact US military operational readiness, as reported by CNN.

A select group of employees from DOGE has recently commenced meetings with officials at the Pentagon to establish office arrangements within the building, according to CNN.

This article has been updated with further information.