Former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall III accused Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth of fostering a culture of fear within the U.S. military, alleging that senior officers fear retaliation for speaking candidly. Kendall made the remarks during an interview on ABC News’ This Week on May 18, following the resignation of Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and the removal of multiple high-ranking officers.
Two key developments emerged from Kendall’s comments: first, his assertion that Hegseth’s leadership has created an environment where military leaders avoid dissent; and second, his claim that 25 senior officers have been fired or removed from promotion lists under Hegseth’s tenure. Kendall, who served under President Joe Biden, stated that the atmosphere has led to the departure of experienced personnel and undermined institutional stability.
Immediate Reactions and Official Responses
Kendall’s criticisms were echoed by other former officials, who described a broad climate of unease within the Pentagon. He specifically cited Hegseth’s intervention in promotions and removal of senior officers as contributing factors to the perceived intimidation. According to Kendall, the ripple effects extend “all the way down through the ranks,” with officers increasingly hesitant to provide unfiltered advice.
In response to Kendall’s remarks, Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby stated that the Defense Department remains committed to “a strong, apolitical military.” Kirby did not directly address Kendall’s allegations but emphasized that leadership decisions are made based on “mission requirements and the best interests of the force.”
The White House has not publicly commented on Kendall’s statements. However, a senior administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity, dismissed the notion of a “culture of fear” as “overstated.” The official noted that leadership changes are part of “normal turnover in high-level positions” and that the administration is focused on “modernizing the military.”
Broader Context: Military Leadership Under Scrutiny
Kendall’s remarks follow a week of upheaval at the Pentagon, including:
- The resignation of Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, who had been a key ally of Vice President JD Vance. Driscoll’s departure came after months of public disputes with Hegseth over military policy and personnel decisions.
- The removal of six Army officers from consideration for two-star general promotions, as reported by The Hill.
- The ouster of Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George in April, a move that sparked debate over the administration’s approach to military leadership.
Kendall also raised concerns about specific military operations, including the deployment of U.S. forces to intercept alleged drug boats in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean. He described these operations as “unconstitutional,” though no legal challenges have been publicly filed.
Diverse Perspectives on Military Leadership
Supporters of Hegseth’s approach argue that his actions are necessary to realign the military with the administration’s priorities, including a focus on “strategic clarity” and “operational efficiency.” One unnamed current Pentagon official told Newsweek that Hegseth’s leadership has “streamlined decision-making” and “reduced bureaucratic inertia.”
Critics, including former military leaders, contend that the changes reflect an unprecedented politicization of the armed forces. Kendall stated that Hegseth’s tenure has “never seen an attempt to politicize our military like the one being conducted by Pete Hegseth.” He warned that the long-term damage could include “a loss of institutional knowledge” and “a decline in morale.”
Military analysts have noted that turnover at the highest levels is not uncommon during presidential transitions, but the scale and speed of the changes under Hegseth are “unusual.” Retired Army Gen. Mark Hertling told Yahoo News that while some turnover is expected, the “sheer number of firings and forced resignations” suggests a “deliberate effort to reshape the military’s culture.”
What’s Next?
The Pentagon has not announced an official review of Hegseth’s leadership, but Congressional leaders have begun requesting briefings. Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Jack Reed (D-RI) stated that he would “closely monitor” the situation, while House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (R-AL) defended Hegseth’s actions as “necessary reforms.”
Kendall, who has ruled out returning to government service, emphasized that current and former military leaders have an “obligation” to speak out when they believe policies are “morally wrong, unethical, or illegal.” He did not specify whether he plans to take further public action.