1. United States
2. Maine
3. Letter

I am writing to express my deep concern over Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s unprecedented purge of senior military leadership. Pushing out proven, forward-thinking commanders like General Christopher T. Donahue—whose vital work integrating AI, robotics, and advanced tech into modern combat was cut short—severely undermines our national security. Why is this ideological purge happening while our nation is embroiled in a high-stakes quagmire of a war with Iran? Targetings based on perceived political views, alongside the explicit dismissal and blocking of women and minority officers from leadership, directly compromise the merit-based, nonpartisan tradition that makes our armed forces strong. Dismantling top command to enforce ideological compliance damages the military’s apolitical foundation and sets a frightening precedent for the nation's future. Decimating our top brass to consolidate power leaves our service members without essential, battle-tested leadership precisely when they need it most. This dangerous disruption must end immediately. As your constituent, I urge you to exercise strict Congressional oversight, investigate these politically motivated removals, and hold the Defense Department accountable before our military readiness is permanently compromised.