Hegseth orders cuts to senior military officer positions

Entities and roles

• Pete HegsethDefense secretary directing the reductions
• Donald J. TrumpPresident who selected the defense secretary

Claims and evidence

1. factdocumented

   Hegseth served as defense secretary following his selection by Trump.

   • U.S. Department of Defense: HON Pete HegsethSecretary biography
2. factdocumented

   Hegseth directed an initial minimum 20% reduction in active-component four-star positions and a similar reduction in National Guard general officers. The Pentagon also described a 10% reduction in general and flag positions alongside command realignment.

   • US Department of Defense: This Week in DOD: Refocusing Resources, Service Member Standards, Red Sea CeasefireOpening section, May 5 directive and reduction targets