Trump admin fires Navy admiral at NATO targeted by conservative group
The Trump administration has removed a high-ranking NATO official who appeared on a conservative group's list of targets in an extensive effort to eliminate progressive policies from the Pentagon. Navy Vice Admiral Shoshana Chatfield, the sole female member on NATO's military committee, was discharged from her position over the weekend with no formal explanation, according to several news sources. Chatfield stands as one of the few three-star female officers in the Navy and previously made history as the first woman to head the Naval War College until 2023.
Reports indicate Chatfield received a call from Admiral Christopher Grady, currently serving as acting chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, informing her the administration wished to pursue a different direction with her role, the Associated Press reported, citing unnamed officials. These sources believe Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made the decision last week, though it remains unclear if President Donald Trump directly influenced this action. Reuters broke the news of her dismissal first.
The exact connection between her removal and any shifts in United States policy regarding the North Atlantic Treaty Organization remains uncertain. Both Trump and Hegseth have strongly declared that progressive initiatives are finished and have actively worked to remove leaders who supported diversity, equity and inclusion while eliminating DEI programs and online materials.
The U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis is currently removing nearly 400 books containing DEI content from its library collection. In December, the American Accountability Foundation (AAF), a right-leaning research organization, delivered correspondence to Hegseth containing names of 20 high-ranking officers they claimed focused excessively on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and similar left-wing programs. The AAF stated that such policies hinder national security, and Chatfield was among eight women featured on their list.
Chatfield's inclusion stemmed partly from a 2015 address where she criticized that House lawmakers were 80% male, stating "our diversity is our strength." The group also noted she quoted material from a Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute presentation highlighting "Investing in gender equality and women's empowerment can unlock human potential on a transformational scale."
A Navy helicopter pilot who previously commanded a joint reconstruction team in Afghanistan, Chatfield had been serving as one of 32 representatives on NATO's military committee. This panel provides primary military guidance to the North Atlantic Council and NATO's Nuclear Planning Group, functioning as the connection between political decision-makers and NATO's military structure.
Senator Mark Warner, D-Va., vice chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, expressed being "deeply disturbed" by her removal while criticizing President Donald Trump.
"Trump's constant criticism of our alliances and his thoughtless removal of honored military leaders makes our country vulnerable and diminishes our global standing," Warner posted on X. Senator Jack Reed, D-R.I., who serves as the ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, also criticized the president for Chatfield's dismissal, labeling it "disgraceful."
"Admiral Chatfield ranks among our nation's most exceptional military officers, and she has proven her excellence as the U.S. Military Representative to NATO," Reed stated. "Her 38-year service as a Navy pilot, foreign policy specialist, and outstanding military educator—including her leadership as President of the Naval War College—will create an enduring impact on the Navy and throughout the armed forces. Admiral Chatfield's history of dedicated service remains untarnished by President Trump's actions."
Reed additionally challenged Republicans for their silence regarding her removal, highlighting that Trump has dismissed 10 generals and admirals since beginning his term. This follows the recent discharge of General Timothy Haugh, who led the National Security Agency and U.S. Cyber Command. For the Navy specifically, it comes after the termination of its highest-ranking officer, Admiral Lisa Franchetti, who made history as the first female Chief of Naval Operations.
"I struggle to understand how anyone could remain quiet while the President inflicts significant damage to our military and our nation," Reed remarked. "I will persistently denounce this unacceptable behavior and warn about the risks of dismissing military officers as a test of political allegiance. I encourage my Republican colleagues to join me in requiring President Trump and Secretary Hegseth to provide justification."
