Pete Hegseth asks US Army chief to step down
What's the story
United States Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has reportedly asked United States Army Chief of Staff General Randy George to step down and take immediate retirement. Vice Chief of Staff Gen Christopher LaNeve, who previously headed the Army's 82nd Airborne Division, will replace him. According to CBS News, Hegseth is looking for a leader who aligns more closely with President Donald Trump's vision and the Pentagon's current priorities.
Career overview
General George's term was cut short
General George, a West Point Military Academy graduate, has served in the Gulf War, Iraq, and Afghanistan. He was nominated by former President Joe Biden and confirmed in 2023 for a four-year term that was supposed to end in 2027. However, his tenure has been cut short as part of Hegseth's efforts to reshape the military leadership according to Trump's national security agenda.
Leadership reshuffle
More than a dozen top officers removed under Hegseth's tenure
The Pentagon confirmed that General George will be retiring from his position immediately. Along with Geore, Hegseth also fired two other Army generals: the chief of chaplains, Maj. Gen. William Green Jr., and the commander of Army Transformation and Training Command, Gen. David Hodne. More than a dozen top officers have been removed under Hegseth's tenure, including Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen CQ Brown and Chief of Naval Operations Adm Lisa Franchetti.
Deputy replacement
George learned the news from Hegseth
Hegseth's decision comes a day after President Trump addressed the country about the Iran conflict. In his speech, Trump indicated that the US will intensify its strikes on Iran, despite previously stating that the US could end the conflict in two to three weeks. George learned the news from Hegseth over the phone on Thursday while attending a meeting, an official told CNN.