Former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall says he could not serve under Trump

Former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall III told ABC’s “This Week” on Sunday that he “couldn’t serve” in a Trump administration, sharply criticizing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s stewardship of the Pentagon. Kendall, who served as the department’s top civilian official from 2021 to 2023, said he has “never seen an attempt to politicize our military like the one being conducted by Pete Hegseth,” adding that such actions undermine the nonpartisan nature of the armed forces.

Kendall’s remarks came amid a broader wave of concern among senior defense officials. Earlier in the week, the Army Secretary also voiced apprehension about perceived political interference in military affairs, echoing calls for preserving the service’s apolitical stance. Both statements highlight growing tension between former defense leaders and the current administration’s approach to civilian‑military relations.