Hegseth Directs 20% Cut To Top Military Positions

WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is directing the active duty military to shed 20% of its four-star general officers. The deep cuts are part of what the Trump administration says is an effort to promote efficiency but that critics worry could result in a more politicized force. Hegseth also is telling the National Guard to shed 20% of its top positions. In a memo dated Monday, he said the cuts will remove “redundant force structure to optimize and streamline leadership.” The Pentagon is under pressure to slash spending and personnel as part of the broader federal government cuts pushed by President Donald Trump and ally Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency.