A retired U.S. Army general has criticized Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, calling his recent reductions of senior military staff “incompetent” and “playing Russian roulette with the security of the United States.” The former general, Randy Manner, said the cuts target high‑ranking officers and are driven by ideology rather than operational need.
Hegseth announced a further 10 percent cut to positions reserved for generals and admirals, following a similar reduction last year. He delivered the announcement in a speech at Marine Corps Base Quantico, describing the changes as “accountability” and stressing a shift away from what he called a “woke department.” The remarks focused on identity, with Hegseth claiming that ideological clowns were removed and patriotic cowboys would be promoted, and that the department was no longer “weak.”
Manner told CNN that while he agrees a smaller number of leaders is desirable, the method of selecting those to be fired is flawed. He said Hegseth had already dismissed 80 senior officers, many of whom were competent, and that the cuts were being made at a time when the United States is engaged in an active conflict with Iran. Manner described the decision as “unbelievable” and “sophomoric,” arguing that a thoughtful restructuring would preserve capability and reduce risk, whereas Hegseth’s approach “plays Russian roulette” with national security.
The speech came the same day President Donald Trump told reporters he was at a decision point on the Iran war, saying, “We have to make that decision: We blow them up or make a deal.” CNN anchor Jake Tapper asked Manner about the timing of the cuts. The Independent has requested comment from the Department of Defense.
