U.S. Representative John Garamendi Statement on Trump’s Friday Night Massacre of U.S. Military Leadership

[Tony]

February 24, 2025
Press Release
WASHINGTON, DC— Today, U.S. Representative John Garamendi (D-CA-08), a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee and Ranking Member of the Readiness Subcommittee, released the following statement regarding Donald Trump’s purge of military leadership: 

“Last night, President Donald Trump and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth unleashed more chaos and confusion with the firing of Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Charles Q. Brown, Jr, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti, Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force Gen. James Slife, and several Judge Advocate Generals.

These firings are not only unprecedented, but they also follow a disturbing partisan pattern that this administration has taken since the inauguration of firing the most qualified and dedicated military and civilian leaders solely to install MAGA loyalists. Trump’s purge began with Coast Guard Admiral Linda Fagan, who, despite her distinguished record throughout her 36 years of service to our country, was unceremoniously removed and later given only three hours’ notice to leave her home.  

It is hypocritical that the administration that claimed politics were tearing our military apart is now engaged in a massive political purge of the most senior, experienced, battle-tested, and professional leaders in the military solely because of identity politics.

The reason why Gen. Brown, Gen. Slife, Adm. Franchetti, and Adm. Fagan rose to the most senior positions of leadership because of their competence, intelligence, and ability to create and lead a cohesive fighting force.

The purge of competent, experienced, and capable military leaders puts our national security at risk, and unfortunately, the President is enabled and, indeed, encouraged by timid Republicans in Congress who know better.

As a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, I have worked with these incredibly competent and experienced leaders, and I know their wisdom and leadership will be missed and that the readiness of the military will be compromised.” said Rep. John Garamendi (D-CA-08).