Tom Cotton slams 'partisans and obstructionists' in DOD reportedly plotting to block Trump plans

"These actions undermine civilian control of the military and our constitutional structure of government."

One anonymous defense official was quoted in the report saying, "Troops are compelled by law to disobey unlawful orders." 

"But the question is what happens then - do we see resignations from senior military leaders? Or would they view that as abandoning their people?" they reportedly asked. 

Ramaswamy has been tapped by Trump, along with billionaire business magnate Elon Musk, to lead his planned Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in his new administration. The proposed department has the goal of reducing the size of government, cutting spending and increasing efficiency. 

Cotton criticized Lloyd in his letter for "promulgating false claims that the incoming administration plans to arbitrarily fire uniformed leaders." 

Further, he slammed the secretary for a message after the election that the military would specifically follow "lawful orders" from Trump. Cotton said this was "a thinly veiled and baseless insinuation that President Trump will issue unlawful orders."

"I have to observe that these actions and reports only prove the need for reform and fundamental change at the Department of Defense. And, of course, while inappropriate and annoying, these tactics are also useless because no action by the outgoing administration can limit the incoming president's constitutional authority as commander-in-chief," the Arkansas Republican wrote. 

Cotton was recently elected to serve as chairman of the Senate Republican conference in the new Congress. He is also expected to take Florida Sen. Marco Rubio's place as the head of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. 

The DOD did not immediately provide comment to Fox News Digital for purposes of this story.