Military officials are unsettled by a roster of “woke” senior officers that a conservative organization has urged Pete Hegseth to remove if he is confirmed as the head of the Pentagon.
The American Accountability Foundation has compiled a list featuring 20 general officers and senior admirals, notably including a significant number of female officers. This development has created a chilling atmosphere within the Pentagon, complicating candid discussions as leaders navigate potential dismissals and diversity challenges under President-elect Donald Trump.
Many individuals on the list appear to have been singled out for their public remarks regarding diversity, whether made during interviews or at events, and in some instances for retweeting content that advocates for diversity.
Tom Jones, a former aide to Republican senators and the leader of the foundation, stated on Friday that those included on the list are “pretty egregious” supporters of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, which he deems problematic.
“The nominee has been quite clear that such views have no place in the military,” Jones remarked regarding Hegseth.
Hegseth has supported Trump’s initiative to eliminate programs that foster diversity within the military and to dismiss individuals who embody those principles. Other Trump appointees, such as Kash Patel for FBI director, have indicated a desire to target government personnel who do not align with Trump’s ideology.
Hegseth is actively working to secure his nomination amid allegations of excessive drinking, sexual assault, and controversial views regarding women’s roles in combat. Throughout the week, he has been engaging with Republican senators on Capitol Hill, as their confirmation is essential for him to lead the Pentagon. His efforts included participating in a radio interview and writing an opinion piece.
In the past, some service members have expressed concerns about the Pentagon’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, arguing that they contribute to an already burdensome workload. The Pentagon still faces challenges in achieving a general officer corps and specialized roles, such as pilots, that accurately reflect the racial and gender diversity of the nation.
A defense official, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the information, indicated that senior leaders are optimistic about discussing these issues further once Trump assumes office. They are ready to offer additional context to the new administration, as reported by The Associated Press.
Former Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel remarked on Friday that the list would have “considerable, wide and deep consequences.” He noted that when military personnel see individuals being singled out, their focus may shift from the mission to their own job security.
“You will drive people out,” Hagel stated. “It affects morale as widely and deeply as anything — it creates a negative dynamic that will trickle through an organization.”
The list, initially reported by The New York Post, comprises nine Air Force general officers, seven Navy admirals of various ranks, and four Army general officers. Notably, eight of the twenty individuals listed are women, despite females constituting only 17% of the military. There are no Marines included in the list.
A female Navy officer was highlighted for delivering a speech at a 2015 Women’s Equality Day event, where she pointed out that 80% of Congress is male, influencing the progression of legislation. She faced criticism for stating that “diversity is our strength,” a phrase commonly used by military personnel throughout the Pentagon to emphasize the significance of a military that mirrors the diverse educational, geographic, economic, gender, and racial backgrounds of the nation.
An Air Force colonel, identified as white, received backlash for an opinion piece he authored after George Floyd’s death, which began with, “Dear white colonel, we must address our blind spots about race.”
Another female Air Force officer was criticized for her “multiple woke posts” on her X feed, which included tweets advocating for LGBTQ rights, discussing “whiteness,” and commemorating the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg with a stamp.
Additionally, a female Air Force officer was mentioned for participating as a panelist in a diversity, equity, and inclusion discussion in 2021.
The list also includes an Army officer who visited 14 historically Black colleges to enhance the military’s intelligence recruitment initiatives, along with an Air Force officer who co-chairs the Asian-Pacific Islander subgroup of the service’s diversity task force.
Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for the Trump transition team, stated that “No policy should be deemed official unless it comes directly from President Trump.”
During an interview on Wednesday with Megyn Kelly’s SiriusXM satellite radio show, Hegseth revealed that Trump expressed his desire for a “warfighter” to eliminate what he referred to as “woke crap.”
On Friday, Trump endorsed Hegseth, stating on his social media platform that Hegseth “will be a fantastic, high energy, Secretary of Defense.” The president-elect emphasized that “Pete is a WINNER, and there is nothing that can be done to change that!!!”
In June, Jones informed the AP that his American Accountability Foundation was probing numerous federal employees believed to be antagonistic toward Trump’s policies. This initiative is in line with the Heritage Foundation’s extensive Project 2025 plan for a conservative administration.
A letter from Jones to Hegseth, dated Tuesday, emphasizes the necessity of “purging the woke from the military.” It highlights the ongoing tensions with Iran, Russia, and China, asserting that “we cannot afford to have a military distracted and demoralized by leftist ideology. Our nation’s security is at stake.”
Conservatives perceive the federal workforce as having overstepped its boundaries, evolving into a power center capable of influencing or obstructing a president’s agenda. During Trump’s first term, government officials faced criticism from the White House and congressional Republicans, as members of Trump’s own Cabinet frequently opposed some of his more unconventional or even unlawful proposals.
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