Trump’s draft executive order would empower “warrior board” to purge high-ranking military leaders

President-elect Trump has not demonstrated traditional regard for military or civil service, and his team is now considering a draft executive order to establish a “warrior board” composed of retired military leaders to review and potentially remove “woke” and other disagreeable officers, per the Wall Street Journal. This move would sidestep the traditional Pentagon review system, raising concerns about politicization of the military. Trump’s pick for Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth—a veteran and Fox News commentator—would play a pivotal role in enforcing any recommendations from this board.

As noted by Defense One, Hegseth "served in Afghanistan and Iraq but has run nothing larger than a political advocacy organization. As a civilian, he’s advocated for privatizing veterans’ health care, written books arguing that diversity initiatives have weakened the military, and, last week, denounced the opening of combat roles to women."

This proposal aligns with Trump’s campaign pledges to “purge woke generals” and rein in military leaders he accuses of undermining readiness by promoting diversity and inclusion. Trump’s historical disdain for top military brass, evidenced in his strained relationships with figures such as Generals Mark Milley, James Mattis, John Kelly, and HR McMaster, fuels skepticism about the intended use of this board.

“If you create arbitrary standards, you can fire anyone you want,” cautioned Eric Carpenter, a military law expert. Military officers swear an oath to support and defend the US Constitution, obligating them to carry out only lawful orders and potentially refuse those that violate constitutional principles or international law. The so-called warrior board’s consolidation of power could compromise both military autonomy and ethical leadership.

NextGov profiled Hegseth, noting his military experience includes deployments to Guantanamo Bay, Iraq, and Afghanistan, where he received the Combat Infantryman Badge. He has led political advocacy organizations like Vets for Freedom and Concerned Veterans for America, advocating for privatizing veterans' health care. Hegseth became a Fox News contributor in 2014 and later a cohost of Fox & Friends Weekend.