Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Monday directed the active duty military to shed 20% of its four-star general officers as the Trump administration moves forward with deep cuts that it says will promote efficiency but that critics worry could result in a more politicized force.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced he has directed the Defense Department to cut at least 20% of its four-star generals and admirals, along with other reductions across the military.

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.