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The Purge of Military Leaders: A Dark Turn Toward Authoritarian Rule

activism| courage| leadership
February 22, 2025•2 min read

Historian Heather Cox Richardson reported in her Letters from an American newsletter (February 22, 2025) that Trump has begun purging the U.S. military leadership, replacing independent, experienced officials with unqualified loyalists. This is not a normal transition of power—this is about consolidating control over the armed forces.

Trump has now fired Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Charles Q. Brown, Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Lisa Franchetti, and several other senior military leaders. Their removals follow Trump’s earlier firing of U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Linda Lee Fagan, who was given just three hours to vacate her home on base.

This is a direct and dangerous move toward authoritarian rule.

Why This Matters

Heather Cox Richardson reminds us that authoritarian leaders do not tolerate independent military leadership—they install figures who will follow orders without question. Trump’s actions follow a well-worn authoritarian playbook:

✔️ Purge those who resist. Trump is eliminating military leaders who uphold constitutional law and replacing them with political loyalists.
✔️ Install obedience over expertise. His nominee for Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, Lt. Gen. John “Razin” Caine, lacks the required experience for the position, but his loyalty to Trump is unquestioned.
✔️ Silence legal and ethical opposition. The administration has signaled plans to remove senior military lawyers (JAGs), eliminating the very people who determine whether orders are lawful.
✔️ Prepare for unchecked power. By gutting military leadership, Trump is ensuring that if unconstitutional orders are given, there will be no one left to challenge them.

What Must Happen Now

We are at an inflection point. This moment demands action.

🛡 Military officials must stand firm. The oath is to the Constitution, not to a ruler. Those still in leadership must refuse unlawful orders.

⚖️ Congress must act immediately. Lawmakers must investigate these firings, hold emergency hearings, and reassert civilian control over the military before it is too late.

📢 We, the people, must refuse silence. Every democracy that has fallen to authoritarian rule has done so in part because its people hesitated. But resistance changes history.

This Is Not the End—It’s the Turning Point

Heather Cox Richardson reminds us that in America, military leaders swear an oath not to a ruler, but to the Constitution. That principle is being tested now. And so are we.

🔥 What will you do today to stand up for democracy? Share, comment, and take action.

📌 This post references reporting from historian Heather Cox Richardson’s Letters from an American newsletter (February 22, 2025). Read her full analysis HERE

With resolve,
Mary

Mary Coughlin, BSN, MS, NNP, is a globally recognized leader in Trauma-Informed Developmental Care and the founder of Caring Essentials Collaborative. With over 35 years of clinical experience and a deep passion for nurturing the tiniest and most vulnerable among us, Mary’s work bridges the art and science of neonatal care. She is the creator of the Trauma-Informed Professional (TIP) Assessment-Based Certificate Program, a transformative initiative designed to empower clinicians with the knowledge, skills, and support to deliver exceptional, relationship-based care. Mary is also an award-winning author, sought-after speaker, and compassionate educator who inspires healthcare professionals worldwide to transform their practice through empathy, connection, and evidence-based care. As the visionary behind the B.U.F.F.E.R. framework, Mary helps clinicians integrate love, trust, and respect into every interaction. Through her blog, Mary invites readers to explore meaningful insights, practical tools, and heartfelt reflections that honor the delicate balance of science and soul in healthcare. Whether you’re a seasoned clinician, a passionate advocate, or simply curious about the profound impact of compassionate care, Mary’s words will leave you inspired and empowered.

Mary Coughlin

Mary Coughlin, BSN, MS, NNP, is a globally recognized leader in Trauma-Informed Developmental Care and the founder of Caring Essentials Collaborative. With over 35 years of clinical experience and a deep passion for nurturing the tiniest and most vulnerable among us, Mary’s work bridges the art and science of neonatal care. She is the creator of the Trauma-Informed Professional (TIP) Assessment-Based Certificate Program, a transformative initiative designed to empower clinicians with the knowledge, skills, and support to deliver exceptional, relationship-based care. Mary is also an award-winning author, sought-after speaker, and compassionate educator who inspires healthcare professionals worldwide to transform their practice through empathy, connection, and evidence-based care. As the visionary behind the B.U.F.F.E.R. framework, Mary helps clinicians integrate love, trust, and respect into every interaction. Through her blog, Mary invites readers to explore meaningful insights, practical tools, and heartfelt reflections that honor the delicate balance of science and soul in healthcare. Whether you’re a seasoned clinician, a passionate advocate, or simply curious about the profound impact of compassionate care, Mary’s words will leave you inspired and empowered.

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