Hegseth To Propose 20 Percent Cut To U.S. Generals And Admirals
Pete Hegseth plans to call for a 20% cut to U.S. generals and admirals in a speech Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at Marine Corps Base Quantico.[1]
The proposal comes as Hegseth seeks to further slim the senior ranks after earlier moves in his tenure.[1] Sen. Mark Kelly criticized the planned reductions Tuesday, September 29, 2026, saying Hegseth is purging some of the military's best senior leaders.[1]
In a May 2025 memo, Hegseth ordered at least a 10% cut in all flag and general officers and a 20% cut for National Guard general officers. There were 851 active-duty generals and admirals as of July 2026, compared with a statutory cap of 857. Since Hegseth took office, at least 20 generals, admirals and senior civilian leaders, including multiple service chiefs, have been fired or resigned.
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📌 Key Facts
- On Wednesday, September 30, 2026, Pete Hegseth is expected to call for a 20% reduction in generals and admirals in a speech at Marine Corps Base Quantico.
- Hegseth previously ordered at least a 10% cut in all flag and general officers and a 20% cut in National Guard general officers in a May 2025 memo.
- There were 851 active-duty generals and admirals as of July 2026, compared with a statutory cap of 857, according to the Defense Department.
- Since Hegseth took office, at least 20 generals, admirals and senior civilian leaders, including multiple service chiefs, have been fired or have resigned.
- Sen. Mark Kelly criticized the planned reductions Tuesday, September 29, 2026, saying Hegseth is purging some of the military's best senior leaders.
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