Great stuff from Rep. Eugene Vindman (D-VA07):
Vindman Sends Letter to Trump Demanding Justification for Firing Top Military Leadership, Urges Return to Prioritizing National Security
WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) sent a letter to President Trump demanding a response and justification for the firing of top military officers putting our nation and our service members at risk. His letter reads:
“After weeks of attacking patriotic and hardworking civil servants, removing countless experts throughout our government who care for our veterans, keep our food safe, monitor our nuclear strategic capabilities, and prevent pandemics – thousands of whom call Virginia’s 7th Congressional district their home – you turned your ire to our military.
“Service members serve regardless of party, background, race, or creed. It is perhaps one of the most American institutions precisely because it demands loyalty, honor, and respect based on one shared quality: love of country. And this keeps us safe because merit is the measure of advancement above all other qualities.
“My experience is emblematic of this bedrock principle. Despite coming to this country as a refugee with next to nothing, I served our country in uniform for 25 years, for Democratic and Republican presidents alike, including on your White House National Security Council staff.”
The letter can be read here and below.
President Trump,
After weeks of attacking patriotic and hardworking civil servants, removing countless experts throughout our government who care for our veterans, keep our food safe, monitor our nuclear strategic capabilities, and prevent pandemics – thousands of whom call Virginia’s 7th Congressional district their home – you turned your ire to our military. Yesterday evening, you fired the nation’s senior military officer, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Charles Q. Brown, Jr.; the Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Lisa Franchetti; and Air Force Vice Chief of Staff, General James Slife. You also replaced the military’s top legal officers and authorities, including the Judge Advocates General (TJAGs) of the Army, Navy, and Air Force—officers responsible for upholding good order and discipline and ensuring military justice remains independent and apolitical.
These decisions have reduced our nations readiness and national security at a dangerous time. Our adversaries and geopolitical competitors, including the Chinese communist party, welcome this chaos and disfunction. The consequences of your actions could very well cost American lives. The decision to fire the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is not to be taken lightly. Chairmen serve for four years and offer their best and always patriotic counsel regardless of the President holding the office. After all, the military is apolitical. Service members serve regardless of party, background, race, or creed. It is perhaps one of the most American institutions precisely because it demands loyalty, honor, and respect based on one shared quality: love of country. And this keeps us safe because merit is the measure of advancement above all other qualities. My experience is emblematic of this bedrock principle. Despite coming to this country as a refugee with next to nothing, I served our country in uniform for 25 years, for Democratic and Republican presidents alike, including on your White House National Security Council staff.
General Brown is a warrior. His storied career spans multiple decades. He is highly respected across the Armed Forces for his strategic acumen, integrity, and leadership under pressure. His removal, alongside other senior military leaders, sends a chilling message to those in uniform who dedicate their lives to defending this nation. This reckless decision undermines the very foundation of our military’s stability and readiness at a time when global threats demand steady and experienced leadership.
Equally alarming is your decision to fire the TJAGs—the top legal officers who ensure that the military adheres to the Constitution, U.S. law, and the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). These officers are responsible for prosecuting war crimes, protecting servicemembers’ rights, and maintaining good order and military discipline. By removing them without cause, you have signaled to the armed forces that the rule of law is subject to political whims rather than enduring principles. This is not just dangerous—it is a weak move that erodes the trust and order upon which the military operates.
As a Member of the House Committee on Armed Services, it is my responsibility to conduct Congressional oversight of the decisions that impact our national defense and the men and women who serve. As such, please provide a detailed response to the following questions by March 8, 2025.
- What justifications were used to fire General Brown?
- What justifications were used to fire Admiral Franchetti and General Slife?
- What justifications were used to fire the Judge Advocate Generals for the Army, Navy, and Air Force?
- How will these decisions to overhaul our nation’s top military leadership boost our national security during this period of increased tensions in the Indo-Pacific, the Middle East, Europe, and beyond?
- How does a transition of these critical roles in our military allow the United States to achieve peace through strength?
- What criteria were used to select the new chairman nominee?
- What criteria are being used to select nominees for all the remaining positions?
Mr. President, history’s greatest leaders are not threatened by strong, capable advisors—they welcome them. They understand that bold, independent voices lead to better decisions, not weaker leadership. Lincoln’s Team of Rivals and Churchill’s War Cabinet prove that true strength lies in surrounding oneself with those unafraid to challenge authority. Your actions suggest a fear of dissent, yet disagreement is not a weakness—it is essential to national security. Just ask Putin, whose yes men assured him Ukraine would fall in days. Reality has proven otherwise.
The American military is the most powerful and lethal military the world has ever seen. If you want to keep it that way, lead with strength, not fear. Your decisions yesterday will cost us dearly and are how our country stumbles toward disasters.
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