For most of our history, American military officers have served the Constitution, not whoever sits in the White House. They rise on merit, and they keep their jobs whether the president likes them or not. That tradition is what keeps the military from becoming a political weapon. It is being torn down right now, and Congress is letting it happen quietly.
Since Pete Hegseth became Defense Secretary, he has fired or pushed aside more than 20 senior generals and admirals. The list includes General C.Q. Brown, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Admiral Lisa Franchetti, the first woman to lead the Navy. This month the latest is General Christopher Donahue, the commander of U.S. Army Europe and Africa, who is being forced out halfway through his assignment. He was the last American soldier to leave Afghanistan and was seen as a future Army chief.
The Army gave no reason for Donahue's removal. That is the problem. When decorated officers are removed in the middle of their tours with no explanation, the message to everyone still serving is simple. Loyalty to the boss matters more than judgment, experience, or telling the truth. That is how you hollow out a professional military.
This is not a partisan point. Republican Senator Thom Tillis said the firings show paranoia, and allied governments in Europe have been openly dismayed.
I am asking you to use the Senate Armed Services Committee's oversight power. Hold a public hearing. Require the Defense Secretary to explain, on the record, why each of these officers was removed. And make clear that the Senate expects an apolitical, merit-based officer corps, not a loyalty test.
The people who command our military should answer to the Constitution. Please make sure they still can.
