Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth took decisive action on Friday night by dismissing Admiral Lisa Franchetti, the chief of the Navy, and General James Slife, the Vice Chief of the Air Force.
This decision came shortly after President Trump removed Charles “CQ” Brown from his position as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and announced Air Force Lieutenant General Dan “Razin” Caine as his replacement.
Additionally, President Trump instructed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to seek nominations for five more high-level positions, with details to be revealed soon.
In response to General Charles Brown’s departure, Hegseth issued a statement and revealed that a series of changes were underway within the Pentagon.
“The outgoing Chairman, Gen. Charles “CQ” Brown, Jr., USAF, has served with distinction in a career spanning four decades of honorable service. I have come to know him as a thoughtful adviser and salute him for his distinguished service to our country,” Hegseth stated.
“I am also requesting nominations for the positions of Chief of Naval Operations and Air Force Vice Chief of Staff. The incumbents in these important roles, Admiral Lisa Franchetti and General James Slife, respectively, have had distinguished careers. We thank them for their service and dedication to our country,” he added.
Furthermore, Hegseth mentioned the need for nominations for the Judge Advocates General positions in the Army, Navy, and Air Force, emphasizing the importance of establishing new leadership under President Trump’s administration to focus on the military’s primary mission of deterring, fighting, and winning wars.
A major (and long rumored) purge is underway at the Pentagon tonight. After President Trump ousts the Joint Chiefs Chairman, Secretary Hegseth fires the chief of the Navy, the vice chief of the Air Force and says he’s “requesting nominations” for the Judge Advocates General for…
— Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) February 22, 2025
