Hegseth orders Pentagon to cut number of senior generals by 20%
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Introduction:
The news topic “Hegseth orders Pentagon to cut number of senior generals by 20%” 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 Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has ordered senior Pentagon leadership to cut the number of four-star generals and admirals. There are currently about 900 general and flag officers — those with the rank of one star or higher — across the military. The Pentagon has been considering making significant cuts to the top of the military amid an administration-wide effort to shrink the federal government. The cuts are a “critical” step toward “removing redundant force structure,” Heg seth wrote. Heg Seth has argued before, including during his confirmation hearing, that there are too many senior generals in the military, including in the National Guard. He said during a podcast interview last summer that he believes roughly a third of military’s most senior officers are “actively complicit” in the politicization of theMilitary.
- Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth ordered military planners to cut the number of four-star generals and admirals in the military by 20%. A move that could axe eight or nine positions for senior officers from across the five military branches. The memo also called for an “additional minimum 10% reduction in general and flag officers” across the military.Four-star general or admiral is the highest rank a military officer can achieve, though, unlike more common military ranks, it is not earned independently on the merits of an officer’s career. Most recently, Air Force Gen. Dan Caine was promoted to four- star general from two-star in order to assume the role of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. The military currently has 44 positions for generals and admirals, though the DOD personnel website’s March report on current force structures said the number should be closer to 50.
- Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth ordered at least a 20% reduction in the number of active-duty four-star generals and admirals in the US military. The move is the latest major shakeup at the Pentagon under President Donald Trump’s administration. The memo also calls for an additional 10% reduction of general officers in the National Guard. It did not specify how the reductions would be accomplished. The cuts are aimed at removing “redundant force structure to optimise and streamline leadership by reducing excess general and flag officer positions,” the memo said. The Pentagon has already fired a series of senior officers this year, including several four- star officers and National Guard generals. The changes, which he dubbed ‘less generals, more GIs’, will be carried out in two phases, starting with those to four-Star officers and then the overall number of generals.
Country-by-Country Breakdown:
Original Coverage
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has ordered senior Pentagon leadership to cut the number of four-star generals and admirals. There are currently about 900 general and flag officers — those with the rank of one star or higher — across the military. The Pentagon has been considering making significant cuts to the top of the military amid an administration-wide effort to shrink the federal government. The cuts are a “critical” step toward “removing redundant force structure,” Heg seth wrote. Heg Seth has argued before, including during his confirmation hearing, that there are too many senior generals in the military, including in the National Guard. He said during a podcast interview last summer that he believes roughly a third of military’s most senior officers are “actively complicit” in the politicization of theMilitary. Read full article
Hegseth orders military to cut number of 4-star generals and admirals by 20%
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth ordered military planners to cut the number of four-star generals and admirals in the military by 20%. A move that could axe eight or nine positions for senior officers from across the five military branches. The memo also called for an “additional minimum 10% reduction in general and flag officers” across the military.Four-star general or admiral is the highest rank a military officer can achieve, though, unlike more common military ranks, it is not earned independently on the merits of an officer’s career. Most recently, Air Force Gen. Dan Caine was promoted to four- star general from two-star in order to assume the role of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. The military currently has 44 positions for generals and admirals, though the DOD personnel website’s March report on current force structures said the number should be closer to 50. Read full article
Pentagon chief orders 20% cut in number of four-star generals
Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth ordered at least a 20% reduction in the number of active-duty four-star generals and admirals in the US military. The move is the latest major shakeup at the Pentagon under President Donald Trump’s administration. The memo also calls for an additional 10% reduction of general officers in the National Guard. It did not specify how the reductions would be accomplished. The cuts are aimed at removing “redundant force structure to optimise and streamline leadership by reducing excess general and flag officer positions,” the memo said. The Pentagon has already fired a series of senior officers this year, including several four- star officers and National Guard generals. The changes, which he dubbed ‘less generals, more GIs’, will be carried out in two phases, starting with those to four-Star officers and then the overall number of generals. 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:
- Original Article
- Hegseth orders military to cut number of 4-star generals and admirals by 20%
- Pentagon chief orders 20% cut in number of four-star generals
Source: https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/05/politics/hegseth-orders-pentagon-cut-senior-generals