U.S. President Donald Trump appointed retired generals to top positions in his administration. These senior former military officers had held leadership roles in Iraq and Afghanistan after the 9/11 attacks. Now, Trump has built a new team consisting of a group of former soldiers and young officers who have firsthand experience in battlefield command and implementation, rather than planning global counter-terrorism strategies.
Trump’s key advisors and officials now include figures such as Vice President J.D. Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, all of whom served at lower to mid-level positions during their time in Iraq and Afghanistan. Waltz, who is over 50, was a member of the U.S. Army’s special Green Berets unit.
This group forms a significant part of Trump’s national security team, representing a younger generation of veterans, many of whom are skeptical of traditional institutions. Many of these soldiers feel they were failed by institutions after years of unresolved conflicts in the Middle East.
Trump’s appointments have drawn some criticism, particularly from those who question whether Gabbard and Hegseth, both former members of Congress, are fit for leadership roles in combating global terrorism. Despite this, Hegseth and Vance made notable appearances at NATO and the Munich Security Conference last week, where their remarks strongly supported Trump’s foreign policy.
Hegseth, a former Army officer, called on Europe to take more responsibility for its own security and urged NATO members to increase defense spending. Vance, a former Marine Corps member, delivered a fiery speech at the Munich Security Conference, accusing European democratic governments of suppressing free speech and collaborating with far-right groups, while downplaying the threats from Russia and China.
“False Pretexts for War”
Democratic and Republican members of Congress have acknowledged that former members of the Global War on Terror (GWOT) could be powerful messengers, especially in light of the growing disillusionment within society. Democratic Representative Jason Crow, a former Army Ranger who served three tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, noted that former GWOT veterans are more politically skeptical. He stated that many of them recognize they were sent to war on false pretexts.
“Salutes and Following Orders”
During Trump’s first term, many active and retired generals were appointed to key positions, such as Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and Joint Chiefs Chairman General Mark Milley. However, their actions often frustrated Trump. According to a close former official from Trump’s circle, one reason for choosing Hegseth and Gabbard was that they were not generals.
This official explained that appointing lower-ranking officers and enlisted soldiers to top positions is a direct rejection of the traditional elite generals, like four-star officers, who had dominated previous administrations. These new officers are expected to serve as loyal aides to Trump, following his orders without question.
“Trump is looking for people who will salute him and carry out his orders,” the official said. “These are people who have spent the last five to seven years working to earn a living, unlike the retired generals who have enjoyed cushy board positions and perks.”
This new generation of former soldiers likely has no vested interests in long-established multinational military alliances like NATO, which were championed by the generals in Trump’s previous administration. Instead, they are more focused on serving Trump’s direct policy objectives.
