Hegseth confirms that the US military will cut 20% of its generals and admirals

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Wednesday that the United States has reduced the number of its generals and admirals by 20%, according to the Pentagon. Speaking at the Quantico military base, Hegseth explained that the cuts targeted officers who had not embraced his efforts to ensure the military prioritises war-fighting over the "woke" policies of previous administrations.

He stated that 10% of generals and admirals across the force were dismissed, alongside a further 10% reduction in general officer slots, resulting in a total 20% decrease. Hegseth referred to the move as an "accomplishment" and an "accountability" measure. He added that those who supported his previous speech advocating for a major shake-up of the military, in which he claimed the US force was "too fat, too focused on leftist 'woke' ideas, and in need of major shake-up," are now leading new, focused, and disciplined units.

The remaining top officers, Hegseth claimed, were now just "warriors - just tough, ready, committed troops."