Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told a House hearing that former President Barack Obama had fired 197 generals. The Pentagon previously acknowledged that number is false.
Hegseth made the claim to defend his own recent firings of senior military officers. He has removed several high-ranking leaders since taking office.
The false figure has circulated in conservative circles for years. Pentagon officials have repeatedly corrected the record, stating no such mass firing occurred under Obama.
During the hearing, Hegseth did not provide a source for the statistic. Lawmakers from both parties pushed back on the inaccuracy.
Critics argue the defense secretary is reshaping the military leadership based on political loyalty. They say citing false data undermines trust in the Pentagon’s accountability.
Hegseth defended his actions as necessary to restore discipline and focus. He insisted the removals were about performance, not politics.
The hearing highlighted ongoing tensions over civilian control of the military. Lawmakers demanded a full list of fired officers and clear justification for each case.
Military experts warn that mass firings can disrupt command stability. They urge the administration to prioritize experience over ideology in leadership decisions.
