Hegseth Announced Purges in the U.S. Military and Urged Dissenters to Resign

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared that the U.S. military is now “free from the shackles of woke” and issued an ultimatum to the top brass: if they disagree, they should resign.

It is part of Donald Trump’s promised overhaul of the Pentagon, combining the scrapping of outdated weapons systems with a cultural reset in line with the MAGA vision. Both elements are already underway.

“The new compass heading is clear,” Hegseth told an audience of generals and admirals assembled in Virginia. “Out with the Chiarellis, the McKenzies, and the Milleys; in with the Stockdales, the Schwarzkopfs, and the Pattons,” he said, dismissing recent commanders while praising past leaders.

In his remarks, Hegseth reminisced about World War II and the Gulf War, underscoring the importance of outward appearance: physical fitness and clean-shaven faces. “No more identity months, DEI offices, dudes in dresses,” he declared. “If you want a beard, join special forces. If not, then shave. We are not a military of Scandinavian pagans.” He added that “overweight” recruits and women failing to meet standards weaken the force.

“You serve in the Department of the Army because you love your calling, the profession of arms. From now on, you are free to be the apolitical, decisive, straightforward leaders you aspired to be when you first joined,” Hegseth said. “No distractions, no political ideologies, no nonsense.”

Trump echoed Hegseth’s tone, telling reporters at the White House that he was ready to fire generals “on the spot” if he disliked them. Later, at Quantico, he told assembled servicemembers they looked like “central casting.” “If you don’t like what I’m saying, you can walk out,” he declared from the stage. “Of course, your rank and your future will walk out with you.” The crowd responded with laughter.