A controversial draft executive order is circulating in MAGA circles, one that could lead to major changes in the military leadership. The order proposes creating a “warrior board,” appointed by former President Donald Trump, with the power to dismiss high-ranking generals at will. This board would have the authority to recommend the removal of any three- or four-star generals and would expect these decisions to be acted upon within 30 days of reaching Trump’s desk.
The draft of the executive order, first reported by The Wall Street Journal, is designed to streamline the removal of military officers who, in the board’s view, lack necessary leadership qualities. However, the order leaves a crucial detail unclear: what exactly those leadership qualities are. It echoes a past practice, referencing General George C. Marshall’s 1940 “plucking board,” which was created to remove officers deemed unfit for promotion. But unlike Marshall’s board, which was intended to promote young, promising officers, this new proposal could be used to purge individuals not in line with the current administration’s agenda.
While it’s uncertain if Trump will officially sign the order, the former president’s long-standing animosity toward certain military leaders suggests this draft may be more than just a suggestion. He has expressed disdain for those involved in the 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan and has spoken about targeting “woke generals,” framing them as a threat to national security. Trump has repeatedly vowed to use his influence to weed out individuals who do not align with his vision.
“This looks like an administration getting ready to purge anyone who will not be a yes man,” former Army lawyer Eric Carpenter told The Wall Street Journal. “If you are looking to fire officers who might say no because of the law or their ethics, you set up a system with completely arbitrary standards, so you can fire anyone you want.”
If the order is finalized, it could be one of the first major actions on President-elect Trump’s agenda. The establishment of a “warrior board” would likely stir significant debate about the balance of power within the military and the role of ethics in military leadership. Critics argue it may signal a troubling precedent, one that allows the executive branch to micromanage military leadership decisions, potentially undermining the independence of the armed forces.
As the draft circulates, many are closely watching to see if the order will be signed into law. If it is, it could mark a significant shift in the way military leadership is managed, potentially reshaping the armed forces in ways that align more closely with Trump’s vision for national security.
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