Conservative group gives Pete Hegseth list of 'woke' officers to fire if confirmed to DoD role

Though Pete Hegseth's nomination to lead the Pentagon in Donald Trump's incoming administration has hit some bumps along the way, there is a sense among some that momentum may be shifting in his favor.

If Hegseth does secure confirmation by the Senate, there is a conservative group that is prepared to offer suggestions about precisely which “woke” officers at the Defense Department ought to be relieved of their duties once he assumes the role, as Fox News reports.

Housecleaning at DoD

Fox News obtained a letter sent to Hegseth by the American Accountability Foundation (AAF), outlining the moves the group would like him to make should he take the helm at the Department of Defense.

The communication included a list of 20 officers or senior admirals believed to be unduly beholden to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and other liberal doctrines as they carry out their professional duties.

According to AAF, the individuals' devotion to policies of this nature can pose a serious risk to national security and is something that needs to be rooted out of military leadership.

With eight of the 20 names contained on the list belonging to women, there has been some pushback from critics of the group, but AAF president Thomas Jones stood firm in his letter to Hegseth.

“As global tensions rise, with Iran on the march, Russia at war, and China in the midst of a massive military buildup, we cannot afford to have a military distracted and demoralized by leftist ideology. Those who were responsible for these policies being instituted in the first place must be dismissed,” Jones wrote.

Confirmation prospects improving?

Though his nomination has been dogged by past accusations of sexual misconduct and rumors of excessive drinking, Hegseth is reportedly making inroads with some senators who initially expressed reluctance to support his candidacy.

During an appearance on Fox & Friends Weekend, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) stated of Hegseth's confirmation chances, “I'm optimistic about it. I've talked to a number of senators personally on the Hill just over the last couple of days, and it seems like the momentum's moving the right way.”

Making reference to the personal difficulties Hegseth is accused of battling in the past, Johnson added, “We've all made mistakes in our lives, but we believe in redemption.”

Speaking to Hegseth's qualifications, Johnson said, “What Pete brings to the table is a love for the military, a great education background, a great experience set, I think he's well-suited for the job. And he will shake up the status quo, which is why this pick is so important.”

As The Hill noted, Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA), previously seen as somewhat hostile to the nomination, stated that she plans to meet with Hegseth again in the week ahead to continue what she called “constructive conversations,” but whether those talks will move the needle in his favor is something that remains to be seen.