This is the consequences of project 2025 and what happens when one party has control of all 3 branches of government...

 If the average person knew about the large-scale firings of experienced and high-ranking officials within the Pentagon and across the federal government under the current administration, public reaction would likely be mixed but heavily critical and concerned among many.

Likely Public Reactions

• Concern for National Security and Stability: Many people would worry that firing respected military leaders and experts with strong track records could weaken national security, disrupt military readiness, and lead to chaos within the Department of Defense. Media reports have described turmoil and disarray, and citizens who value strong defense capabilities might fear the consequences.npr+2

• Skepticism and Distrust: Some would view the firings as politically motivated purges aimed at replacing experts with loyalists aligned with a particular ideology, undermining professionalism and expertise. This perception could fuel skepticism toward the administration’s leadership style and intentions for the federal workforce.wikipedia+1

• Support from Some Conservative Circles: Conversely, individuals who support government downsizing, reducing bureaucracy, and realigning agencies with political leadership might praise the firings as necessary reforms and efforts to restore accountability or reduce "deep state" influence.wikipedia

• Negative Views on Government Functionality: It is likely the public would hear reports about operational inefficiencies, secrecy, and constraints on press access, which could further damage trust in how the government is run. Experts warning of loss of institutional knowledge and critical expertise would amplify fears of declining government service quality.politico+2

Overall, the average informed citizen would likely be alarmed by the scale and suddenness of these firings, concerned about the impacts on government competence and national security, wary of political motivations behind the actions, and skeptical of the disruption to federal operations.politico+3

1. https://www.npr.org/2025/04/23/nx-s1-5372612/former-defense-department-official-pentagon-turmoil-hegseth-signal-chats
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_United_States_federal_mass_layoffs
3. https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2025/04/20/pentagon-chaos-ullyot-hegseth-00205594
4. https://www.politico.com/news/2025/09/22/pentagon-events-00575814
5. https://subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2025/09/dod-kirk-pentagon-speech-00569926
6. https://www.brookings.edu/articles/the-fallout-from-doges-approach-to-government-reform/
7. https://subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2025/09/pentagon-officials-department-of-war-anger-confusion-00548367
8. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/20/business/media/pentagon-restrictions-reporters-hegseth-trump.html
9. https://www.npr.org/2025/02/24/nx-s1-5306964/how-will-firings-affect-the-pentagon

During the current administration under President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, there has been a significant wave of firings and dismissals of high-ranking military and civilian officials in the Pentagon. Key points about those who lost their jobs and their track records include:

• Numerous senior military officers, including four-star generals and admirals, were ordered to be cut by 20%, with additional reductions in lower-ranked generals and officers. This included the firing of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Chief of Naval Operations, the Commander of Cyber Command, the U.S. Military Representative to NATO, and other top uniformed lawyers and Judge Advocates General for each military branch. Many of those fired were respected leaders with critical operational and legal responsibilities.reuters+2

• One notable dismissal was Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Kruse, head of the Defense Intelligence Agency since 2024, fired reportedly due to a "lack of confidence," connected to an intelligence assessment conflicting with the administration's claims. Service members and officials expressed concern about the lack of transparency and planning for replacements, which has resulted in morale issues and fears about politicization of the military.reed.senate+1

• Other civil and military personnel who lost jobs often had commendable service records and roles vital to military education, legal standards, and intelligence. Many expressed surprise and dismay about the firings, and some former officials criticized the chaotic and opaque management style, noting that these actions disrupted mission readiness and the rule of law within the department.politico+1

• The firings have also targeted officials involved in diversity, equity, inclusion programs, and honorably serving transgender service members, reflecting the administration's agenda to remove such initiatives. These actions have impacted recruiting, training, and military community culture.pbs+1

In summary, those who lost their jobs during the current administration's purge at the Pentagon predominantly held high-ranking, critical roles with strong professional track records. The firings have come amid allegations of political motives and mismanagement, generating concern from lawmakers and defense experts about the long-term effects on military effectiveness and morale.nbcnews+4

1. https://www.reuters.com/world/us/pentagon-reduce-4-star-positions-by-20-official-says-2025-05-05/
2. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/hegseth-directs-active-duty-military-to-cut-20-of-its-four-star-general-officers
3. https://www.npr.org/2025/04/23/nx-s1-5372612/former-defense-department-official-pentagon-turmoil-hegseth-signal-chats
4. https://www.reed.senate.gov/news/releases/reed-condemns-secretary-hegseths-dysfunctional-management-of-the-pentagon
5. https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/national-security/hegseth-fires-head-defense-intelligence-agency-rcna226677
6. https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/19/pentagon-firings-turmoil-hegseth-00299815
7. https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2025/09/19/hegseth-national-guard-military-lawyer-purge/

Pete Hegseth is a conservative political figure known for his military background as a former Army National Guard infantry officer and his role as a Fox News contributor and co-host of Fox & Friends Weekend from 2017 to 2024. Politically, he worked as an executive director for veterans' advocacy groups like Vets for Freedom and Concerned Veterans for America. He supported Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign and served as an advisor to Trump.wikipedia

Hegseth was nominated by President Trump in November 2024 to be Secretary of Defense and faced a contentious confirmation process plagued by allegations of sexual misconduct, financial mismanagement, and alcohol issues. Despite these controversies, he was confirmed with a tie-breaking vote by Vice President JD Vance, becoming the 29th Secretary of Defense in January 2025.pbs+1

His political positions include calling for a "warrior culture" within the Department of Defense, eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, reducing defense bureaucracy, modernizing the nuclear triad, and focusing on deterrence and strategic alliances, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. Hegseth is known for aligning with Trump's worldview, emphasizing military readiness, accountability, and conservative priorities.breakingdefense+2

In summary, Pete Hegseth is a politically conservative figure, Trump loyalist, veteran advocate, and media personality whose defense policies focus on military strength, reducing bureaucracy, and rolling back progressive initiatives within the Pentagon.

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pete_Hegseth
2. https://www.spaceforce.mil/news/article-display/article/4042825/secretary-of-defense-pete-hegseth-begins-most-important-deployment-of-my-life/
3. https://breakingdefense.com/2025/03/whos-who-in-defense-pete-hegseth-secretary-of-defense/
4. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/7-things-to-know-about-pete-hegseth-trumps-defense-secretary-pick
5. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Pete-Hegseth
6. https://www.aclu.org/news/civil-liberties/who-is-pete-hegseth
7. https://www.cnn.com/politics/pete-hegseth-fast-facts
8. https://www.americanprogress.org/article/pete-hegseth-is-unfit-to-lead-the-pentagon/
9. https://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/pete-hegseths-secret-history

The primary duties of the United States Secretary of Defense are to serve as the head of the Department of Defense (DoD) and the principal defense policy advisor to the President. The Secretary oversees all branches of the U.S. military—the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, and Coast Guard when under DoD command—and exercises authority, direction, and control over the DoD. The role involves formulating and executing general defense policy, managing defense operations, budgeting, and ensuring military readiness and security. The Secretary also participates in the National Security Council and works closely with the President to develop defense strategy and policy implementation.wikipedia+2

Regarding oversight, the Secretary of Defense reports directly to the President of the United States, who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. Congress exercises legislative oversight through Armed Services Committees and Appropriations Committees that review defense policies and budgets. Additionally, the Secretary is supported and advised by the Deputy Secretary of Defense, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and other senior defense officials within the Office of the Secretary of Defense.govinfo+2

In summary:

• The Secretary of Defense leads the DoD, advises the President on defense matters, oversees military forces, and manages defense policy and strategy.

• The Secretary is appointed by the President with Senate approval and reports directly to the President.

• Congress provides oversight through committees focused on defense authorization and appropriations.ebsco+2

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Secretary_of_Defense
2. https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/politics-and-government/united-states-secretary-defense
3. https://legal-resources.uslegalforms.com/u/united-states-secretary-of-defense
4. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/what-does-the-defense-secretary-do
5. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GOVMAN-1996-05-31/pdf/GOVMAN-1996-05-31-Pg176.pdf
6. https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-does-the-secretary-of-defense-do
7. https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/10/113
8. https://history.defense.gov/Portals/70/Documents/occasional_papers/SECDEFBROCH-2017FINAL6-13web.pdf?ver=2017-06-21-120118-220
9. https://usgovernmentmanual.gov/Agency?EntityId=tv4LVSeIL00%3D&ParentEId=+klubNxgV0o%3D&EType=jY3M4CTKVHY%3D

The last 15 Secretaries of Defense for the United States, with their most recent service first, are:

1. Pete Hegseth (2025–present)wikipedia+2

2. Robert G. Salesses (Acting, January 2025)politico+1

3. Lloyd J. Austin III (2021–2025)wikipedia

4. Christopher C. Miller (Acting, 2020–2021)wikipedia

5. Mark T. Esper (2019–2020)wikipedia

6. Patrick M. Shanahan (Acting, 2019)wikipedia

7. James N. Mattis (2017–2019)wikipedia

8. Ashton B. Carter (2015–2017)wikipedia

9. Chuck Hagel (2013–2015)wikipedia

10. Leon E. Panetta (2011–2013)wikipedia

11. Robert M. Gates (2006–2011)wikipedia

12. Donald H. Rumsfeld (2001–2006)wikipedia

13. William S. Cohen (1997–2001)wikipedia

14. William J. Perry (1994–1997)wikipedia

15. Les Aspin (1993–1994)wikipedia

This list includes both confirmed and acting secretaries, providing a complete record of Defense Department leadership during this period.

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Department_of_Defense_appointments_by_Donald_Trump
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Secretary_of_Defense
3. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx24gze60yzo
4. https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2025/01/20/donald-trump-inauguration-day-news-updates-analysis/meet-the-new-acting-secretary-of-defense-00199398
5. https://www.wash100.com/winners/2025/pete-hegseth/
6. https://history.defense.gov/Portals/70/Documents/key_officials/KeyOfficials-2025-02-24.pdf?ver=PJ74eovV6fmyStsisfZD1Q%3D%3D
7. https://breakingdefense.com/2025/03/whos-who-in-defense-pete-hegseth-secretary-of-defense/
8. https://oversight.house.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2025.02.28-DoD_Letter-combined7.pdf
9. https://ballotpedia.org/Donald_Trump's_Cabinet,_2025
10. https://www.af.mil/News/Tag/997/secretary-of-defense/