Senator Mazie K. Hirono has voiced strong opposition to President Trump's recent decision to dismiss several senior military leaders, including General Charles "CQ" Brown, Admiral Lisa Franchetti, and General James Slife. The firings also extended to the Judge Advocates General for the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Hirono, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, described these actions as reckless and politically motivated.
Hirono stated, "President Trump’s decision to fire General CQ Brown, Admiral Lisa Franchetti, General James Slife, and the senior uniformed attorneys of the Army, Navy, and Air Force is an incredibly reckless decision that dangerously politicizes our military and undermines our national security."
She emphasized that these military leaders have served with dedication and impartiality for many years. According to Hirono, there is no justifiable reason for their dismissal other than an attempt by the President to replace them with individuals who are loyal to him rather than the Constitution or the American public.
Hirono pointed out that General Brown and Admiral Franchetti were notable figures within the Joint Chiefs of Staff as they were among few minorities in those positions. She also expressed concern over the unprecedented removal of senior uniformed legal advisors from each service branch. These attorneys traditionally provide nonpartisan legal advice across different administrations.
"The firings of each of the Services’ senior uniformed legal advisors is particularly troubling and completely unprecedented," she noted. Hirono argued that this move could discourage military attorneys from offering candid advice in future scenarios.
In her statement, Hirono called on her Republican colleagues to take a stand against what she perceives as a political maneuvering by President Trump. She stressed that safeguarding military integrity should transcend partisan politics: "Preserving the integrity of our armed forces is not a partisan issue."
Hirono urged all members of Congress to uphold their constitutional duties by resisting any attempts at politicizing military leadership.