President Donald Trump recently made a bold move to reshape the Pentagon in his favor by firing top military officials in a Friday night purge. Among those dismissed were the chairman of the Joint Chiefs, Gen. Charles “CQ” Brown, and the Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Lisa Franchetti. These firings were not based on performance issues but rather on Trump’s desire for unwavering loyalty rather than independent military advice.

Trump’s history with military leaders reveals a pattern of strained relationships as his generals, like John Kelly and James Mattis, pushed back against his directives. Mattis, for instance, clashed with Trump over decisions regarding North Korea, Iran, and the fight against ISIS in Syria, ultimately resigning due to irreconcilable differences.

The rift between Trump and the Pentagon deepened during the George Floyd protests, with Defense Secretary Mark Esper publicly opposing the use of active-duty troops to quell demonstrations. Trump’s subsequent firing of Esper highlighted his intolerance for dissent within the military ranks.

The recent removal of senior military officers indicates Trump’s quest for complete control over the Department of Defense. This power play, exemplified by the appointment of loyalist Kash Patel to key positions, underscores Trump’s demand for absolute fealty from military leaders.

With Hegseth now seeking substantial budget cuts, further personnel changes may be on the horizon. Trump’s expectation of unwavering loyalty suggests more upheavals within the Pentagon as he aims to solidify his grip on the military establishment.