Senior generals and admirals from around the world were summoned to Washington by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who is expected to deliver a "short speech." However, there is a concern that it's just the beginning of a mass firing or demotion effort.
The Washington Post reported Friday that concerns and "confusion" were coming from those who noticed two four-star Army commanders appeared to have been demoted.
"Gens. Ronald Clark and Xavier Brunson appeared in an internal service directory as lieutenants general," the Post said, citing three people familiar with the issue. Both men are Black.
"Clark, who oversees U.S. soldiers across the Pacific region, and Brunson, who commands troops in South Korea, both hold positions that observers worry Hegseth will downgrade in prominence," the report said.
Clark's spokesperson stated that the listing was a mistake due to a "glitch" and has been resolved.
It hasn't quelled the concern, however.
"The recent firings of top military officers and the unusual nature of the order has stirred widespread concern among military officials that Hegseth may also have additional surprise in store," the report continued. "The secretary has spoken of plans to consolidate combatant commands and reduce the total size of the general and flag officer corps by as much as 20 percent."
When the orders were delivered, the Post said that there was no information given as to why the top brass were being called to Washington.
Hegseth responded to concerns about the meeting by replying to retired Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges, "Cool story, General."
