Former Defense Secretaries Criticize Trump’s Firings of Military Leaders

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Five former U.S. defense secretaries have publicly condemned President Donald Trump for his recent firings of several high-ranking military officials, including Army Gen. CQ Brown, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The surprising dismissals occurred late Friday and have raised concerns regarding the politicization of the military, prompting calls for congressional hearings.

In an open letter addressed to Congress and Trump, former defense secretaries James Mattis, Leon Panetta, Lloyd Austin, Chuck Hagel, and William Perry expressed their alarm over Trump’s actions, stating that they undermine national security and the integrity of the all-volunteer military force. The letter specifically notes that “these leaders are being fired for purely partisan reasons,” reflecting a troubling trend that could hinder military recruitment and morale.

Trump’s firings, which also included the dismissal of Admiral Lisa Franchetti, the first woman to lead a military service branch, mark a significant shakeup in military leadership. “Mr. Trump’s dismissals raise troubling questions about the administration’s desire to politicize the military,” the letter reads. “We urge Congress to hold Mr. Trump to account for these reckless actions.”

All but one of the former defense secretaries—Mattis, who served under Trump—worked in Democratic administrations. Their collective push for immediate congressional hearings suggests a bipartisan concern regarding the president’s decision-making regarding key military appointments.

The letter emphasizes the potential long-term impact on military recruitment and the ability of service members to speak freely. The former secretaries argue that viewing military careers through a partisan lens could deter Americans from serving in the armed forces. “The actions at the Pentagon could deter Americans from choosing a life in the military, should their careers be judged through the lens of partisan politics,” they wrote.

Furthermore, the current political landscape complicates the situation, with Republicans holding the majority in both chambers of Congress, which may affect the likelihood of any hearings being held. The White House has yet to provide a detailed explanation for the dismissals, which many see as unprecedented.

As this situation unfolds, the implications of Trump’s actions on military integrity and national security continue to be a focal point for both lawmakers and the public. Fox News Digital has reached out to the White House for comment on the open letter from the former defense secretaries.