US Military Will Cut 20 Percent of Generals and Admirals, Secretary of Defense Says

Hegseth has issued a memorandum ordering a reduction in the number of general and flag officers by 20 percent.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth delivers remarks to troops alongside President Donald Trump, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall, Michigan Sen. Aric Nesbitt, Michigan National Guard Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, and Michigan National Guard Assistant Adjutant General Brig. Gen. Daniel J. Kramer II at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, in Harrison Township, Mich., on April 29, 2025. DoD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Alexander Kubitza

WASHINGTON—Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on May 5 ordered a 20 percent reduction in the number of four-star generals and flag officers in the U.S. military, as well as reductions to the number of officers elsewhere.

Since President Donald Trump assumed office, his administration has proclaimed intentions of reforming the Department of Defense and its personnel policies. Already, Hegseth has ordered changes to training and recruitment and has dismissed several top four-star officers, such as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. C.Q. Brown, National Security Agency Director Gen. Timothy Haugh, and Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti.