Justin Fulcher, a senior advisor to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, has officially stepped down after six months at the Department of Defense, the Pentagon confirmed Saturday.
Fulcher told Fox News Digital that his departure was planned and voluntary, adding he originally intended to serve six months in government.
“It’s been an honor to serve,” Fulcher said. “This was always the plan. I leave proud of the work we’ve done for our troops and country.”
Pentagon Thanks Fulcher for Service
In a statement, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell thanked Fulcher for his contributions:
“The Department of Defense is grateful to Justin Fulcher for his work on behalf of President Trump and Secretary Hegseth. We wish him well in his future endeavors.”
Fulcher, part of Hegseth’s inner circle appointed during Trump’s second term, played a significant role in reshaping defense priorities—from acquisition reform to overseas strategy.
Key Accomplishments
During his tenure, Fulcher:
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Contributed to major acquisition reviews to boost lethality and strengthen the U.S. industrial base
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Helped cut software procurement timelines from years to months
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Supported redirection of $50 billion from non-lethal programs into readiness and warfighter capabilities
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Traveled with Hegseth to key engagements across the Indo-Pacific, including the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore
In a farewell message on X, Fulcher wrote:
“None of this could have happened without Secretary Hegseth’s decisive leadership or President Trump’s continued confidence in our team. I will continue to champion American warfighters in all future endeavors.”
Military Rebuilding and Warrior Ethos
Fulcher also praised efforts under Hegseth and Trump to revitalize the military and restore a warrior ethos inside the Pentagon.
“Still, this is just the beginning,” he said, hinting at future work in the national security arena.
Broader Reshuffling at the Pentagon
Fulcher’s departure is one of several inside Hegseth’s office, though defense officials say the changes are part of a normal transition process.
The Pentagon has not yet named a replacement.
