In a surprising move over the weekend, U.S. Navy Vice Adm. Shoshana Chatfield, the only woman serving on NATO’s military committee, was dismissed by the Trump administration, as reported by U.S. officials on Monday. Although no official reason for her termination was provided, sources indicated that it was likely linked to her public support for diversity in the military.
Chatfield received a call from Adm. Christopher Grady, the acting chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, informing her that the administration intended to take the military in a new direction. Reports suggest that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made the decision last week, though it remains unclear if he acted under direct orders from President Donald Trump. Three officials who chose to remain anonymous discussed the matter due to the sensitive nature of personnel changes.
This incident marks the third instance of a top female military officer being dismissed since Trump took office. Earlier this year, Hegseth announced the termination of Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Lisa Franchetti, and Trump dismissed Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Linda Fagan just a day after his inauguration. The administration has been outspoken against what they term “woke policies,” leading to a significant push to remove military leaders who advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
Chatfield was specifically targeted by the conservative American Accountability Foundation, which labeled her as part of the “woke” leadership that needs purging from the military. The organization sent a letter to Hegseth expressing that eliminating individuals promoting DEI initiatives is critical for strengthening the armed forces. This campaign has raised concerns among lawmakers, local leaders, and citizens who are alarmed by the ongoing removal of military heroes and historical references from Defense Department platforms.
Vice Adm. Shoshana Chatfield, a Navy helicopter pilot and veteran of the Afghanistan conflict, had been serving as one of 32 representatives on NATO’s military committee, which provides crucial military advice to the North Atlantic Council and NATO’s Nuclear Planning Group. Chatfield's leadership in the military has been recognized through numerous accolades, including a Bronze Star.
Senator Mark Warner, a Democrat from Virginia, publicly expressed his dismay over Chatfield’s dismissal, stating that Trump’s ongoing attacks against military alliances and his disregard for decorated officials compromise national security and undermine the United States' global standing. His remarks were shared on social media platform X, highlighting the growing concern over the impact of leadership changes on military readiness.
The firing of Vice Adm. Shoshana Chatfield underscores the contentious atmosphere surrounding military leadership under the Trump administration, particularly regarding issues of diversity and inclusion. As debates continue around the role of DEI in the military, the implications for future leadership and military effectiveness remain critical points of discussion among officials and the public alike.
