By Karim Hammam
President Donald Trump misgendered the Pentagon's recently fired top military planner, referring to Army Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia as "she" while telling reporters the ousted general has "big problems" over alleged leaks of classified information.
Firing of top military planner
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth abruptly dismissed Sylvia on Wednesday from his post as director of strategy, plans and policy on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, a critical role known as the J5. The Atlantic first reported the removal, and a defense official confirmed no immediate replacement has been named.
Allegations of leaks and polygraph tests
Fox News, citing a Defense Department source, reported that Sylvia failed three polygraph tests related to leaks of classified material and was accused of meeting journalists despite Hegseth's restrictions on media contact. The Air Force Office of Special Investigations examined the alleged conduct.
Trump's remarks on tarmac
Speaking to reporters at Andrews Air Force Base en route to a South Carolina campaign rally, Trump said: “She’s got problems. She’s gonna have big problems. We’re very much looking for leakers.” The president's use of the female pronoun drew attention because Sylvia is male.
Second J5 director ousted under Hegseth
Sylvia is the second general to leave the prestigious J5 position during Hegseth's tenure. His predecessor, Lt. Gen. Joseph McGee, was forced into retirement last October. The Joint Staff praised Sylvia's 32 years of distinguished service, including command of the 101st Airborne Division.
Broader purge of military leadership
Critics describe an unprecedented purge of American military leadership under Hegseth. Nearly two dozen generals, admirals, and top civilian defense chiefs, including the secretaries of the Army and Navy, have been fired, forced to retire, or sidelined with little public explanation. Hegseth has ordered a 20% reduction in flag and general officer positions by January 2027.
Implications for Middle East escalation
The dismissal leaves the Pentagon without its chief strategist as the Trump administration weighs potential military strikes against Iran. Sen. Mark Kelly warned that Hegseth is “purging a generation of great leaders of the military, and it’s going to take a generation to recover from it.”
