US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says the Pentagon is cutting about 20% of US generals and admirals and says the changes are tied to his view of who should serve in the military. He confirms that the department has already reduced senior ranks and plans further cuts to reach the overall figure.
In remarks reported by multiple outlets, Hegseth attacks diversity and inclusion, using a series of disparaging comments about appearance and identity. France 24 reports he frames the policy as “no fatties, no trannies” alongside references to “beardos,” “weirdos,” “wimps,” and “radicals.” The Guardian similarly highlights the language and reports Hegseth dismisses reports of low morale as false claims while saying personnel retention is “record”.
Other coverage adds additional context about the broader setting. The South China Morning Post links the personnel reshaping to wider geopolitical efforts, noting tentative steps by Washington and Beijing to prevent a military crisis and reporting that Hegseth told lower-ranking personnel that the reductions will reach the planned level through an additional round.
All accounts describe the same basic plan—an incremental 10% reduction already carried out, followed by another 10% to total 20%—and the same general thrust of the remarks that accompanies it.
