Multiple allegations and disputed reasons
Former California Brigadier General Jonathan Magram has filed a lawsuit alleging antisemitism played a role in his firing. Magram claims that he was terminated after speaking out against the alleged antisemitic behavior of Major General David Beevers, who was appointed as the Adjutant General. The lawsuit states that Magram reported instances of antisemitism by Beevers on multiple occasions to Governor Gavin Newsom’s office, but his concerns were ignored.
Unsettled issues and loss of benefits
According to Magram, after refusing to quit, Beevers engaged in a campaign to force him out of the department. He allegedly resurrected and misrepresented minor settled issues from up to a decade ago. Magram also claims that Beevers attempted to undo his disability claims and cut short his disability medical evaluation, resulting in the loss of certain benefits. Other senior officers who lodged complaints against Beevers also reportedly had their concerns ignored by Newsom’s office.
Seeking accountability
Magram, in a statement to Fox News Digital, expressed his concerns for the welfare of servicemembers and civilians currently serving in the Department. He called for Beevers to be held accountable for his actions and criticized Newsom for appointing him permanently as the Adjutant General. Magram believes that Beevers’ aggressive and unexplainable behavior needs to be addressed to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Response from Newsom’s office
When approached for comment, Governor Newsom’s office referred to the lawsuit as “retaliatory and baseless.” They provided documents showing that Magram was fired due to causing the department to lose faith, trust, and confidence in his leadership abilities. According to a statement from a department spokesperson, the United States Air Force Inspector General had previously investigated Magram for misconduct and issued him a Letter of Admonishment. The California Military Department then initiated a removal action based on these findings, which was unanimously upheld by a board of senior officers.
The California Military Department maintains that all actions taken against Magram were a result of independent investigations by the U.S. Air Force and the Military Department Inspector General. They assert that they will defend their actions to hold a senior leader accountable for his misconduct.