WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Monday directed the active duty military to shed 20% of its four-star general officers as the Trump administration moves forward with deep cuts that it says will promote efficiency but that critics worry could result in a more politicized force.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced he has directed the Defense Department to cut at least 20% of its four-star generals and admirals, along with other reductions across the military.

Hegseth’s directive, characterized as an effort to rein in a bloated bureaucracy, follows a purge of top military leaders soon after Trump returned to office.