{
  "id": 6023920,
  "title": "Former Air Force Secretary Accuses Hegseth of Politicizing Military",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/06/former-air-force-secretary-accuses-hegseth-of-politicizing-military",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-06T19:45:45.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/frank-kendall-accuses-pete-hegseth-politicizing-us-military-12410323"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall has vehemently denounced Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for attempting to politicize the U.S. military. Kendall's scathing criticism emerged on ABC News This Week, following a series of recent upheavals within the Pentagon, including Army Secretary Dan Driscoll's resignation. Kendall asserted that no previous administration has witnessed such an attempt to politicize the military like the one being orchestrated by Hegseth. He further warned that the repercussions of Hegseth's actions are permeating throughout the entire chain of command.\n\nKendall's accusations stem from Hegseth's removal of senior officers and interference in promotions, which has left military leaders in a state of anxiety. He claimed that Hegseth has dismissed approximately 25 senior officers and pulled individuals off promotion lists, causing a ripple effect throughout the ranks. The atmosphere within the military, according to Kendall, has transformed into one where officers are hesitant to express their candid opinions for fear of facing repercussions. Kendall further contended that Hegseth's leadership is causing significant long-term harm to the military.\n\nThe turmoil within the Pentagon has intensified, with multiple high-ranking military officials, including former Joint Chiefs Chairman Charles Q. Brown Jr., Navy Chief Lisa Franchetti, and Army Chief of Staff Randy George, either being fired or leaving their positions during Hegseth's tenure. Driscoll's resignation adds to the mounting concerns about turnover at a time when the United States is actively involved in military operations against Iran. Kendall's remarks come amid heightened criticism of Hegseth's management, which now transcends party lines. Senator Thom Tillis, a Republican who initially supported Hegseth, now urges President Donald Trump to find new leadership at the Pentagon to prevent further erosion of military talent. Representative Don Bacon, a Republican and former Air Force brigadier general, has also criticized Hegseth's treatment of senior military personnel. Kendall's latest criticism underscores his stance that military leaders have a duty to challenge actions they deem improper, especially as the midterm elections approach and concerns about weakened institutional checks within government grow.",
  "summary": "Former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall says Pete Hegseth is politicizing the military.",
  "key_points": [
    "Former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall accuses Pete Hegseth of politicizing the U.S. military.",
    "Kendall claims Hegseth removed 25 senior officers and interfered in promotions.",
    "Military leaders express anxiety and fear of repercussions under Hegseth's leadership."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}