Thu Feb 27 00:40:00 UTC 2025: **Former Air Force Secretary Condemns Trump’s Dismissals of Top Military Leaders**

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Frank Kendall, former Secretary of the Air Force under the Biden administration, has sharply criticized President Trump’s removal of several high-ranking military officials, calling the actions “foolish,” “a disgrace,” and a dangerous politicization of the armed forces. In a strongly worded statement, Kendall expressed particular concern over the dismissal of three judge advocates general (JAGs), the top legal authorities in the Department of Defense.

Kendall, who served alongside the dismissed officers, lauded their professionalism and decades of distinguished service. He specifically praised General Charles Q. Brown Jr., General James Slife, and Admiral Lisa Franchetti, characterizing them as exceptionally capable and honorable individuals. He voiced fears that political loyalty is now a primary criterion for holding high military positions.

The dismissals of the JAGs, Kendall argued, represent a direct attack on the rule of law. He highlighted the JAGs’ independent authority to challenge unlawful orders from any source, including the President or Secretary of Defense. Kendall cited the dismissal of Lieutenant General Charles Plummer as particularly troubling, suggesting it was motivated by a desire for greater loyalty to President Trump and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, potentially compromising the impartial application of military justice.

Kendall noted President Trump’s and Secretary Hegseth’s apparent disregard for legal constraints, emphasizing their apparent belief that laws should not impede military action or presidential authority.

While acknowledging the resilience of the military’s officer corps, Kendall concluded by urging a national response to this assault on democratic institutions, emphasizing the need for citizen engagement through various means, including contacting elected officials and participating in demonstrations to uphold the rule of law. He stressed that defending democratic principles should transcend partisan politics.

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