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Trump Removes Top Female Navy Officer from NATO Post — Here’s What Happened
In a surprising move over the weekend, former U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration removed Navy Vice Admiral Shoshana Chatfield from her position on NATO’s military committee — making her the third top female officer to be let go under the new leadership.
While no official reason was provided, insiders believe her public support for diversity and inclusion efforts within the military may have been a factor.
Fired Over ‘Woke’ Concerns?
According to senior U.S. officials speaking anonymously, Chatfield was contacted by Adm. Christopher Grady, the acting chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who informed her that the administration wanted to “go in a different direction.” The final decision is believed to have been made by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
This comes after growing pressure from conservative groups who claim military leadership has been too focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. Chatfield appeared on a so-called “woke list” released by the American Accountability Foundation — a group that has been pushing for the removal of military officials supporting DEI.
A Career of Service
Vice Adm. Chatfield, a decorated Navy helicopter pilot and veteran of deployments in the Pacific and Persian Gulf, previously led a joint reconstruction team in Afghanistan. She has served in several high-ranking positions, including as the senior military assistant to NATO’s supreme allied commander.
She holds degrees from Boston University, Harvard, and the University of San Diego. Over the years, Chatfield has been a vocal supporter of women in military leadership, once stating that “our diversity is our strength” — a phrase Defense Secretary Hegseth has openly criticized.
Political Backlash
Senator Mark Warner of Virginia responded strongly, saying he was “deeply disturbed” by the dismissal. “Trump’s relentless attacks on our alliances and decorated military officials weaken our national security,” Warner wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Meanwhile, efforts to purge DEI policies have sparked debates across government and military institutions. Critics argue that these moves may undo years of progress toward a more inclusive armed forces.
