Kelly: Hegseth's firings of top generals, admirals damage 'our readiness'

A senior Senate Democrat warns that sweeping leadership purges in the U.S. military—including a proposed 20% reduction of top generals and admirals—are undermining national defense readiness. The criticism comes from a retired Navy captain and member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, who argues the shake-up risks weakening the chain of command at a critical time. With the overhaul still in its early stages, lawmakers are raising concerns about the potential fallout for military operations and morale. The debate highlights growing tensions between civilian leadership and the Pentagon’s senior ranks over restructuring efforts.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s ouster of top generals and admirals from the U.S. military are “damaging our readiness,” according to Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), a retired astronaut and Navy captain. A member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Kelly said Hegseth’s intended 20 percent reduction of the top of the ranks — announced last week...