Trump Admin Removes Navy Admiral who Promoted ‘Gender Equality’
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has removed a navy official with a history of promoting “gender equality and women’s empowerment.”
The announcement was made Tuesday by Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell in a statement on X, who said that Hegseth “removed U.S. Navy Vice Admiral Shoshana Chatfield from her position as U.S. representative to NATO’s military committee.” While specific reasons for Chatfield’s removal were not disclosed, Parnell noted the decision as made “due to a loss of confidence in her ability to lead.” He added, “The Defense Department is grateful for her many years of military service.”
Chatfield, who had served in the position since 2023, previously drew criticism from conservatives over remarks she made regarding gender equality. In 2015 on Women’s Equality Day, Chatfield complained about gender imbalances in positions of power and stated that “investing in gender equality and women’s empowerment can unlock human potential on a transformational scale.”
Chatfield becomes the third high-ranking female military official to be dismissed since President Donald Trump took office. Admiral Lisa Franchetti, who held the top position in the US Navy, and Admiral Linda Fagan, the first female head of the US Coast Guard, were also removed from their positions.
Though the Pentagon has not publicly linked the removals to policy positions, both Trump and Hegseth have made clear their opposition to what they describe as “woke” policies in the military. The administration has also sought to remove leaders who promote diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
