Exclusive: Pentagon to reduce 4-star positions by 20%, official says

How did your country report this? Share your view in the comments.

Introduction:

The news topic “Exclusive: Pentagon to reduce 4-star positions by 20%, official says” has drawn international attention, with various media outlets providing diverse insights, historical context, political stances, and on-the-ground developments. Below is a curated overview of how different countries and media organizations have covered this topic recently.

Quick Summary:

• US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered a 20% reduction in the number of 4-star generals, a US official told Reuters. The official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said there would be a 10% additional reduction among general and flag officers. “This is not a slash and burn exercise meant to punish high-ranking officers,” he said.
• Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth orders military to cut 20% of its four-star general officers. National Guard also told to cut 10% of general and flag officers. Critics worry the cuts could result in a more politicised force. More than a half-dozen top general officers have been fired by President Donald Trump or Heg seth since January. The only two women serving as four- star officers are also being fired by the White House and Heg Seth, who has touted diversity in the ranks as a reason for the cuts to the military’s top ranks. The cuts will remove “redundant force structure to optimise and streamline leadership,” the Pentagon chief says in a memo to military personnel. HegSeth in recent weeks has dismissed or transferred multiple close advisers, tightly narrowing his inner circle.

Country-by-Country Breakdown:

Pentagon to reduce 4-star positions by 20%, official say

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered a 20% reduction in the number of 4-star generals, a US official told Reuters. The official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said there would be a 10% additional reduction among general and flag officers. “This is not a slash and burn exercise meant to punish high-ranking officers,” he said. Read full article

Pete Hegseth orders 20% reduction of four-star general officers to boost efficiency

Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth orders military to cut 20% of its four-star general officers. National Guard also told to cut 10% of general and flag officers. Critics worry the cuts could result in a more politicised force. More than a half-dozen top general officers have been fired by President Donald Trump or Heg seth since January. The only two women serving as four- star officers are also being fired by the White House and Heg Seth, who has touted diversity in the ranks as a reason for the cuts to the military’s top ranks. The cuts will remove “redundant force structure to optimise and streamline leadership,” the Pentagon chief says in a memo to military personnel. HegSeth in recent weeks has dismissed or transferred multiple close advisers, tightly narrowing his inner circle. Read full article

‘Firing generals to pay for Trump’s parade’: Hegseth ripped over new ‘slash and burn’ plan

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has instructed top Pentagon officials to reduce the ranks of four-star generals and admirals by at least 20%. The directive also mandates a 20% reduction in National Guard generals and a 10% overall decrease in all general and flag officers. The cut applies across all branches of the military, which currently has 37 four- star officers.Political commentators and journalists reacted to the development and said the move was politically motivated. The move is not a ‘slash and burn,’ but the memo has no guidance on criteria for eliminating jobs, nor a requirement for the services to report their proposals to him for approval, one reporter noted. The Defense Secretary said it is about “Less generals, More GIs” in a video posted on the social platform X, which he called a “historic” policy and said it was about the “greatest day in American history” Read full article

Global Perspectives Summary:

Global media portray this story through varied cultural, economic, and political filters. While some focus on geopolitical ramifications, others highlight local impacts and human stories. Some nations frame the story around diplomatic tensions and international relations, while others examine domestic implications, public sentiment, or humanitarian concerns. This diversity of coverage reflects how national perspectives, media freedom, and journalistic priorities influence what the public learns about global events.

How did your country report this? Share your view in the comments.

Sources:

• Pentagon to reduce 4-star positions by 20%, official say
• Pete Hegseth orders 20% reduction of four-star general officers to boost efficiency
• ‘Firing generals to pay for Trump’s parade’: Hegseth ripped over new ‘slash and burn’ plan

Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/us/pentagon-reduce-4-star-positions-by-20-official-says-2025-05-05/