Republican senators demand explanations from US Defense Secretary Hegseth — The Hill

In the United States, Republican senators said that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth did not properly consult with Congress before announcing a 20% reduction in the number of generals and admirals in the US armed forces. Lawmakers expressed concern about the decision-making process and the potential impact that dismissing experienced officers could have on the military's combat readiness, The Hill reports.

Senators demand a plan

Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker said he learned about the cuts shortly before the public announcement. According to him, he would not have made this issue a priority if he had been asked in advance. Wicker suggested that Hegseth seeks to reduce bureaucracy at the top level of military leadership, but noted that he does not have many details about the plan.

Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins also said she had received no prior notice. She stressed that the number of senior officers may need to be reduced, but the administration's approach raises questions. Collins expressed concern that Black service members and women are disproportionately represented among officers who are not promoted or are removed from their positions.

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Concerns over political motives

Senator Thom Tillis called the lack of full briefings for Congress part of a broader problem in relations between the Pentagon and lawmakers. He recalled that Congress controls the department's funding. Senator Joni Ernst said that Hegseth had consulted neither Republicans nor Democrats on key oversight and budget committees. She called for a plan explaining exactly which positions are proposed for modernization or elimination and why.

A Pentagon representative rejected claims that decisions on officer promotions or forced retirements are made based on race or gender. Hegseth himself had previously called the cuts a long-overdue step to strengthen accountability and said the system must remain merit-based. At the same time, senators stressed that reducing the number of senior military positions must be justified by defense needs and combat readiness.