Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has ordered senior Pentagon leadership to cut the number of four-star generals and admirals by at least 20% across the military, according to a memo signed by Hegseth dated May 5 and obtained by CNN.

In a memo dated Monday, Hegseth said the cuts will remove “redundant force structure to optimize and streamline leadership.”

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced a significant reduction in the number of top military officers, aiming for a 20% cut in four-star ranks and 10% in general and flag officers. This initiative aligns with his vision for a streamlined and more lethal U.