Are Top Military Leaders Walking Away?
The New York Times is urgently seeking to speak with generals, admirals, and senior military officers who are resigning or retiring from service following a recent, highly contentious address by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
In a rare public outreach, the Times has issued a callout to high-ranking personnel considering departure—suggesting a potential wave of resignations that could signal deep fractures within the U.S. armed forces’ leadership.
What Triggered the Callout?
While the Defense Department has not released a full transcript, multiple sources confirm that Secretary Hegseth’s speech—delivered to Joint Chiefs and service academy leaders—included directives perceived by some as politicizing military operations and undermining nonpartisan traditions.
According to insiders, Hegseth called for the military to align more closely with the Trump administration’s domestic enforcement priorities, including support for immigration crackdowns and loyalty screenings of senior officers.
Historical Context: When Generals Speak Out
Mass resignations or public dissent by top brass are extremely rare in U.S. history. Notable precedents include:
- 2010: Gen. Stanley McChrystal resigned after critical remarks about the Obama White House appeared in Rolling Stone.
- 2017: Several retired generals publicly criticized President Trump’s response to Charlottesville.
- 2021: The Joint Chiefs issued an unprecedented memo reaffirming allegiance to the Constitution after the Capitol riot.
Why This Moment Matters
If confirmed, a coordinated exit by active-duty flag officers would represent one of the most significant civil-military ruptures in modern American history.
[INTERNAL_LINK:U.S. Military Leadership]
How to Participate
The New York Times invites current or recently departed generals and admirals to share their experiences confidentially via secure channels. Submissions may inform an upcoming investigative report on the state of military independence under the Trump administration.
Secure tip line: nytimes.com/tips
