In a revelation that has sent shockwaves through defence and political circles, a new book by prominent Trump ally Pete Hegseth alleges that the former President planned a radical overhaul of the US military's leadership structure if he secured a second term.
The most explosive claim centres on Trump's alleged intention to initiate a widespread purge of senior officials across the Pentagon and the nation's prestigious service academies—West Point, Annapolis, and the Air Force Academy. The motive, according to Hegseth, was to remove individuals perceived as insufficiently loyal or tainted by what Trump called 'woke' ideologies.
The 'Loyalty' Litmus Test
The book, titled 'The War on Warriors', describes a systematic plan where Trump would demand the resignations of top-ranking officers and civilian leaders. Their reinstatement would be contingent upon passing a stringent loyalty test, effectively placing personal allegiance to the President above all else.
This unprecedented move would have represented a fundamental shift in the tradition of a non-partisan US military, directly challenging the long-held principle of civilian control based on law and institutional norms rather than personal fealty.
Targeting the Academies
Beyond the Pentagon's top brass, Trump's focus reportedly extended to the leadership of the military academies. Hegseth, a Fox News host and army veteran, suggests Trump viewed these institutions as breeding grounds for a 'woke' mindset that he sought to eradicate from the armed forces entirely.
The plan underscores the deep friction that characterised Trump's relationship with the military establishment during his first term, which culminated in public disagreements with senior generals and the aftermath of the January 6th Capitol riot.
Hegseth's account provides a startling glimpse into the potential upheaval planned for a second Trump administration, raising profound questions about the future of American civil-military relations and the stability of its defence institutions.
