Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth made it crystal clear over the weekend: there are no so-called "lists" of military leaders that President Trump is planning to purge. But make no mistake—if anyone refuses to follow lawful orders, they will be shown the door.
During an interview on Fox News Sunday, Hegseth addressed the swirling rumors head-on.
"There’s no list, Shannon. I’ve heard that. I’ve seen that very rumor," he stated. However, he was quick to emphasize that the administration is keeping a "very keen eye" on military leadership and their willingness to execute the president’s directives.
At the heart of his message was a fundamental principle: defending the Constitution. Hegseth didn’t shy away from pointing out the damage done under Joe Biden’s administration, calling out ideological mandates that weakened the military, including COVID-era policies that prioritized political agendas over combat readiness.
"Joe Biden gave lawful orders. A lot of them are really bad. And it’s unfortunate how they eroded our military," Hegseth noted. "President Trump has given another set of lawful orders. And they will be followed."
That, of course, is the key difference. President Trump’s orders, Hegseth affirmed, are focused on restoring military strength, ensuring that America’s armed forces return to their core mission: warfighting, lethality, and defense. And those who can’t—or won’t—fall in line with that mission? They won’t be sticking around.
"If they’re not followed, then those officers will find the door," he said bluntly. "And that’s not a tough calculation."
Hegseth also underscored a renewed commitment to transparency under the Trump administration, promising that the American people would have a clear understanding of what’s happening at the Pentagon.
"We feel really good about the direction the Pentagon is headed under President Trump," he said. "We’re going to focus on warfighting and lethality and accountability. And be the most transparent Pentagon that folks have seen in a long time, which is why I explain these things on a regular basis."