Daijiworld Media Network- New York

New York, Feb 20: The administration of former US President Donald Trump is reportedly planning to reallocate $50 billion from the Pentagon’s budget to other priority areas, including border security, while preparing a list of senior military officials for dismissal, according to media reports.

As per the Military Times, Acting Deputy Secretary of Defense Robert Salesses has directed defence officials to identify at least $50 billion in budget cuts that can be redirected to programs aligned with Trump’s key policies. Notably, reports indicate that funding allocated for the Indo-Pacific region will remain untouched.

NBC News reported that a list of generals and admirals identified for removal has been circulated among Republican members of Congress. Those listed are reportedly individuals associated with former Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, those involved in minority-focused initiatives, or those whose views are perceived to be inconsistent with Trump’s agenda.

It remains unclear whether General CQ Brown, the current Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is among those targeted for removal. However, Trump has already dismissed Coast Guard chief Admiral Linda Fagan, the highest-ranking woman in the US military.

The budget reallocation will exempt critical sectors such as border operations to curb illegal migration, missile defence, and the development of autonomous weapons. Salesses stated that Trump’s key priorities include bolstering the Iron Dome missile defence system, fortifying border security, and eliminating government-funded Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs.
In addition to the proposed military leadership reshuffle, several Defence Department employees have reportedly been notified about potential job terminations as part of efforts to streamline government operations.