Top U.S. Generals Slam Hegseth’s New Pentagon Strategy

Military leaders have raised serious concerns about the Trump administration’s forthcoming defense strategy, revealing a rift between the Pentagon’s political and uniformed leadership as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth summons top brass to a highly unusual summit in Virginia, according to eight current and former officials, Noah Robertson, Tara Copp, Alex Horton, and Dan Lamothe reported for The Washington Post.

Generals said frustration is mounting over what they view as a myopic plan that could undermine alliances abroad. (Photo: U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Alexander Kubitza / U.S. Secretary of War Flickr) 

The critiques from top officers — including Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff — come as Hegseth seeks to reorder U.S. military priorities, centering the Pentagon on perceived homeland threats, narrowing competition with China, and downplaying America’s role in Europe and Africa.

Uniformed leaders fear mass firings or a drastic reorganization of the combatant command structure and military hierarchy.

Caine has reportedly shared his concerns with senior Pentagon officials in recent weeks.

“He gave Hegseth very frank feedback,” one source said, noting that Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby was also involved in the discussion. “I don’t know if Hegseth even understands the magnitude of the National Defense Strategy, which is why I think Caine tried so hard.”

The debate over the National Defense Strategy (NDS) — the Pentagon’s primary guide for how it allocates resources and positions U.S. forces around the world — is the latest challenge for senior officers navigating the Trump administration’s unorthodox approach to defense and foreign policy.

Generals said frustration is mounting over what they view as a myopic plan that could undermine alliances abroad.

Hegseth has signaled the Pentagon will withdraw forces from Europe and consolidate commands — moves that have unnerved U.S. allies as Russia continues its invasion of Ukraine and violates NATO airspace.

For years, U.S. strategy has rested on the belief that the nation’s best defense lies in strong global alliances — a principle that many fear is now being cast aside.