1 week ago
US President-elect Donald Trump's transition team is preparing an executive order for a significant overhaul of the Department of Defence, including the removal of several top officials, The Wall Street Journal reported. The order proposes the creation of a "warrior board" made up of retired senior military leaders.
The board would be responsible for evaluating the performance and fitness of high-ranking officers (three- and four-star) and recommending the removal of any deemed unfit for leadership, according to the report.
If Trump approves the order, it could significantly reshape the upper ranks of the US military by fast-tracking the removal of generals and admirals found to be "lacking in requisite leadership qualities," the Wall Street Journal reported, based on a draft of the order it reviewed.
The report noted that this could also have a chilling effect on senior military officers, given the President-elect's previous pledge to dismiss 'woke generals' - a reference to officers perceived as prioritising diversity over military readiness.
The order could also bypass the Pentagon’s standard promotion system, as individuals identified for removal by the 'warrior board' would be referred to the White House and retired at their current rank within 30 days, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Trump, who will become the President and commander-in-chief of the US Armed Forces after taking office on January 20 next year, has the authority to dismiss any officer. However, the proposed board would handle the bulk of the process, removing officials on a large scale.
In a significant move that surprised many, even at the Pentagon, Trump on Wednesday announced that he had chosen Pete Hegseth, a Fox News commentator and army veteran, as his Defence Secretary. Hegseth's views align with Trump's, and he has expressed disdain for the ‘woke’ policies of Pentagon leaders, including its top military officers.
According to The Associated Press, a staunch conservative who embraces Trump’s ‘America First’ policies, 44-year-old Hegseth has advocated for making the military more lethal.
During his campaign, Trump had hinted at major changes at the Pentagon. Trump has promised his supporters that "the woke stuff will be gone within a period of 24 hours" after he assumes power.
The Republican leader won the November 5 US election, defeating his Democratic rival and Vice President Kamala Harris, becoming the first President to win non-consecutive terms in over 130 years.
Published On:
Nov 13, 2024
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