Pentagon spokesman John Ullyot has been forced out amid a sweeping purge that has rocked the Defense Department under President Trump’s leadership. The former Trump administration official, initially hired by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, faced mounting pressure following the removal of controversial DEI policies that sparked national outrage. His departure signals the administration’s commitment to rooting out opposition to Trump’s military agenda, regardless of past loyalty.
Trump Administration Cleans House at Pentagon
John Ullyot’s exit marks the fourth departure from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s inner circle this week alone. The shakeup comes as the Pentagon implements President Trump’s directive to eliminate DEI policies throughout the military, restoring focus on combat readiness rather than social engineering.
Top Pentagon official John Ullyot announces resignation amid investigation into leaks over China war story@SehgalRahesha brings you this report pic.twitter.com/xTyu5gGz9y
— WION (@WIONews) April 17, 2025
Three other senior officials – Colin Carroll, Darin Selnick, and Dan Caldwell – were reportedly removed following an investigation into information leaks within the department. These departures reflect the administration’s zero-tolerance approach toward those who fail to align with the President’s vision for the military forces of America.
Controversy Over DEI Purge Intensifies
Ullyot played a key role in implementing directives to remove DEI content from the online platforms of military services. The initiative faced backlash when images of historical figures, such as Jackie Robinson, were temporarily removed during the content review process.
John Ullyot, the former top spokesperson at the Pentagon, announced he will resign at the end of this week. Ullyot said he continues his strong support for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and had only planned to serve in an acting capacity for two months. pic.twitter.com/yAtNApnEcl
— Badlands Media (@BadlandsMedia_) April 17, 2025
While Ullyot claimed his resignation was voluntary, a senior Defense official contradicted this assertion. The official stated directly that Ullyot was asked to resign, though for reasons unrelated to the ongoing leak investigation that claimed his colleagues’ positions.
Broader Military Leadership Overhaul Underway
These staffing changes represent just one aspect of a comprehensive restructuring within America’s defense establishment. The Trump administration has initiated a broader purge of senior military officers, including high-ranking officials like Gen. CQ Brown and Vice Adm. Shoshana Chatfield.
The decisive action demonstrates President Trump’s commitment to installing leadership that will execute his America First policies without resistance or sabotage. Defense Secretary Hegseth continues to reshape the Pentagon, bringing in officials who prioritize military readiness over the progressive social agendas that dominated the previous administration.
Military experts note this restructuring comes at a critical time as America faces growing threats from China, Russia, and Iran. The focus on combat effectiveness rather than social experimentation reflects the administration’s serious approach to national security challenges facing the United States.
Conservative military advocates have praised the moves as necessary to restore America’s fighting force after years of ideological infiltration. The Pentagon’s renewed focus on warfighting capabilities rather than identity politics represents a return to the military’s core mission of defending American interests and citizens.
Sources:
https://www.newsmatwitter.com/politics/ullyot-leaks-pentagon/2025/04/17/id/1207279