A recent appearance by the actress on Fox News SundayDefense Secretary Pete Hegseth responded to concerns regarding the dismissal top attorneys for the U.S. Army Navy and Air Force. It has caused controversy and ignited debate on the possibility of politicizing the legal advisors for the U.S. military.
What is the importance of JAGs?
JAGs are the backbone of legal support for the military services. Legal experts, who are not political in nature, provide advice and guidance to military leadership on many legal and compliance matters. They are responsible for advising military leaders on issues such as international and humanitarian law. This role is crucial for the maintenance of legal and ethical standards in the military.
In addition, these terminations were made in conjunction with Pentagon plans to reduce civilian probationary staff. These actions are part of an ongoing government-wide restructuring program that was initiated after Donald Trump became president. The federal workforce has been a target of legal and political opposition to the Trump administration’s attempts at streamlining it.
Detail of Military Leadership Changes
The Judge Advocates General of the Army, Navy, and Air Force—Lieutenant General Joseph B. Berger III, Rear Admiral Lia M. Reynolds, and Lieutenant General Charles L. Plummer—were all relieved of their duties with little advance notice. Air Force general Charles Q. Brown Jr. was removed as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in the Pentagon’s leadership shakeup. Some Democrats and veterans have criticized these actions.
JAGs are typically appointed to serve in multiple administrations with no regard for political affiliations. This is done to maintain stability and continuity of legal oversight. Recent events have called this tradition into question.
When the Fox News Sunday Shannon Bream, in an exclusive interview with Hegseth, asked him about his dismissals. Bream noted that there was a backlash against Hegseth from people fearing their removal. Hegseth stated that the dismissals were made because “we wanted lawyers who gave sound constitutional advice, and didn’t try to become roadblocks for anything that happened.”
Hegseth called the JAGs a group of “insulated officers” who maintain the status-quo, arguing the status-quo is not effective in the Pentagon. He stressed the importance of “fresh minds” and merit-based selection to choose the top legal minds for the Army, Air Force and Navy. He said in his statement that the military must be ready to destroy and close down our enemies.
Hegseth rejected accusations of illegal or “purge” actions and reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining a military that is apolitical, loyal to the Constitution. He said the changes made recently were “nothing new” in terms of the dismissal rate for Pentagon employees.
The personnel changes are in line with a broader objective, which is supported by Trump, and his advisor Elon Musk. This goal is to decrease the government’s spending and reduce the number of federal employees. Musk, head of the Department of Government Efficiency at White House (DOGE), advocates for a reduction in federal probationary staff across the board. The current administration is continuing many previous attempts to cut costs.
Hegseth refused to confirm the existence of a rumored termination list. But he said the military’s willingness and ability to comply with lawful instructions is an important factor.
In a recent press release, the Department of Defense stated that it will free approximately 5,400 workers on probation. This is followed by a hiring freeze in order to evaluate personnel requirements and comply with applicable laws.
Reactions after the JAG firings
Rosa Brooks, Georgetown Law professsor, on Twitter: “Trump also firing the Army, Navy and Air Force JAGs…It’s what you do when you’re planning to break the law; you get rid of any lawyers who might try to slow you down.”
Darin Selnick, Acting Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Ready: We anticipate that the Department will reduce its civilian workforce from 5 to 8% in order to improve efficiency, refocus on President Obama’s priority areas and restore readiness within the Force.
Senator Tommy Tuberville I wouldn’t mind if they changed it to a Trigon from a Pentagon. “Cut a few sides off it.”
Senator Jack Reed: “…Firing the military’s most senior legal advisers is an unprecedented and explicit move to install officers who will yield to the president’s interpretation of the law, with the expectation they will be little more than yes men on the most consequential questions of military law.”
Seth Moulton is the representative of: “Dictators or wannabe kings fire generals who don’t agree with their politics…What Trump and Hegseth are doing is un-American, unpatriotic…It’s definition of politicizing our military.”
Future developments
Trump has named Air Force Lieutenant general Dan “Razin Caine as the next chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. This nomination will be confirmed by the Senate. Caine was previously the Air Force Judge Advocate General.
Many expect to see the names of nominees soon, as things develop.