Leadership Uncertainty at the Pentagon Ahead of Trump's Inauguration
As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office, significant uncertainty looms over leadership positions within the Pentagon. With top military officials expected to resign on Inauguration Day, the Biden administration's successor faces a leadership vacuum at a critical time.
Officials reported that as of Friday, there was no announcement regarding who would serve as the acting defense secretary. In a rare contingency, chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force are preparing to temporarily assume the roles of their respective service secretaries.
According to standard protocol, all political appointees will vacate their positions at noon EST on Inauguration Day, leaving numerous key defense roles unfilled--many of which require Senate confirmation. This includes not only the defense secretary but also the three service secretaries along with their deputies and senior policy staff.
The Senate Armed Services Committee is scheduled to vote on Trump's nominee for defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, but a full Senate vote may follow days later. Consequently, it is likely that someone from the current administration will need to step in temporarily.
While the transition team is still solidifying its choices, speculation suggests that General Randy George, currently the Army's chief of staff, may serve as the temporary head of the Army. General David Allvin, chief of staff of the Air Force, and Admiral Lisa Franchetti, the Navy chief, are also preparing for the potential need to step into acting roles if civilian leaders are not appointed.
Many prominent leaders from the Biden administration are reportedly hesitant to join the incoming Trump administration, citing concerns about the significant policy shifts that may be required of them.
Traditionally, only individuals appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate serve as defense secretaries, including in acting capacities during transitions. However, Trump could choose a confirmed member from another agency to fill the position at the Pentagon.
Although military control by civilians is a fundamental principle, the law permits military chiefs to temporarily take over leadership roles if necessary. This situation, while unusual, mirrors historical precedents from over 30 years ago.
Arnold Punaro, a retired Marine Corps general, noted a similar instance in 1993 when Admiral Frank Kelso, the Navy chief, served as acting Navy secretary after civilian leaders failed to assume the role.
Typically, transitions to new defense secretaries have been orderly. For instance, during the transition between Trump and Biden, David Norquist, the deputy secretary of defense, became acting secretary until Lloyd Austin's confirmation.
Past administrations have managed these transitions differently, with some opting for individuals to remain temporarily in their roles to facilitate continuity during the transition period. In recent cases, service comptrollers have stepped in as acting secretaries to manage budgeting processes, as they are often perceived as less politically influenced.
This year's transition is complicated by Trump and Hegseth's commitment to removing military leaders they deem to be 'woke' or supportive of diversity initiatives. This could lead to significant changes in military leadership as the administration seeks to fill its political appointments.
In a recent nomination hearing, Hegseth indicated that he would evaluate senior military officers based on merit and adherence to lawful orders, raising questions about the future of current leaders like General CQ Brown, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs.
Should Brown be dismissed, the vice chairman would assume command until a new chairman is confirmed, further complicating the Pentagon's leadership landscape as the Trump administration begins.
