The planning for the firings is at an early stage after Trump’s Nov. 5 election victory and could change as the new administration takes shape, sources said.

Trump's administration takes shape, said the sources, who are familiar with the Trump transition and requested anonymity to speak candidly about the plans. One of the sources questioned the feasibility of a mass firing at the Pentagon.

Those targeted may include the most senior US military leaders – a major shake-up even as wars rage in Ukraine and the Middle East.