🗽🗽Hegseth Ousts Top U.S. Army General In Wartime Shake-Up
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth asked Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George, the service’s top uniformed officer, to resign and retire immediately, according to a Pentagon announcement last week.
In a statement, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said, “General Randy A. George will be retiring from his position as the 41st Chief of Staff of the Army effective immediately. The Department of War is grateful for General George’s decades of service to our nation. We wish him well in his retirement.”
The Army Chief of Staff traditionally serves a four-year term. George assumed the role in 2023 after being nominated by then-President Joe Biden and was expected to remain in the position until 2027.
George’s departure marks another leadership shift under Hegseth, who has reshaped senior military leadership since becoming Defense Secretary. More than a dozen admirals and generals have reportedly been dismissed or sidelined during his tenure. Among the most notable changes, Hegseth previously removed Gen. CQ Brown from his role as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Adm. Lisa Franchetti from her position as chief of naval operations.
George had previously served as a senior military aide to former Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, and U.S. officials told ABC News that his role had been under review for more than a year.
A Defense Department official also told ABC News that Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Christopher LaNeve would step in as acting Chief of Staff. This transition follows standard protocol, as the vice chief typically assumes leadership when the chief of staff is incapacitated or removed.
After stepping down, George sent an Army-wide email that appeared to reference leadership and mission priorities. According to The Hill, which verified the message after it circulated on the Army’s Reddit platform, George urged soldiers to remain focused on their mission.
“I know you’ll all continue to stay laser-focused on the mission, continue innovating, and relentlessly cut through the bureaucracy to get our warfighters what they need to win on the modern battlefield,” George wrote.
“Our soldiers are truly the best in the world — they deserve tough training and courageous leaders of character,” he added. “I have no doubt you will all continue to lead with courage, character and grit.”
George reflected on his 38-year Army career with what he described as “immeasurable pride,” saying he repeatedly chose to “stay another tour” because of the people he served alongside.
In addition to George, Hegseth also removed Maj. Gen. William Green and Gen. David Hodne from their roles. No official explanations for the changes were publicly released. Military commanders serve at the pleasure of the president and defense secretary, The Hill noted.
Some Republican lawmakers expressed support for George and called for more clarity surrounding the decision. Rep. Mike Rogers, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, said the Army made significant progress under George’s leadership.
“Throughout his long career in service to America, Gen. George has demonstrated his commitment, courage, and leadership,” Rogers said, noting improvements in recruitment, efficiency, and modernization efforts.
Meanwhile, Rep. Rich McCormick told Newsmax host Ed Henry that he planned to seek more information about the removal.
“I’ve never heard him say anything contrary to what the president’s trying to achieve,” McCormick said. “I thought he’s done a really good job getting the Army ready for war. So, I’d like to hear more because that’s concerning to me.”