Senate Republicans Question Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth’s Leadership Amid Senior Officer Turnover

Senate Republicans say Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth lacks the experience to run the Pentagon’s massive bureaucracy. They point to “the hollowing out of incredible leadership” and describe his “unconventional, brash” style as undermining confidence after repeated clashes with senior military leaders.

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Since Hegseth’s appointment, Pentagon dismissed Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George (April) and Navy Secretary John Phelan (last week). Earlier removals include Joint Chiefs chair Gen. C.Q. Brown, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti, DIA director Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Kruse, and Gen. James Slife. George’s exit coincided with Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and Under Secretary Michael Obadal being out of Washington, prompting Driscoll to call it “a real loss to us.”

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Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) said Hegseth has a failing grade on technical managerial skills and is making poor personnel decisions. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) called the dismissal of Gen. George a mistake. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) was shocked by the ouster. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) noted Phelan had been meeting with Republican lawmakers before his termination. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) said dropping the flu-shot requirement was erroneous.

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Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell declined to comment on departures, saying the secretary “does not comment on the nature of their departure.” He said reforming a department “size of DoW” requires officers who “fully and expeditiously embrace Administration’s priorities,” and affirmed that “necessary changes have been made and will continue to be made.”

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Republicans note successes against Iran, including rescue of downed airmen, but warn that leadership instability could jeopardize operations. Hegseth is slated to meet Senate Armed Services Committee this week and testify before House Armed Services Committee on Wednesday. Senators urge President Donald Trump to consider a defense secretary, citing appointments of Markwayne Mullin to DHS and Todd Blanche as attorney general.

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The administration has not explained the specific reasons for Gen. George’s resignation or John Phelan’s outreach to lawmakers before his dismissal. No official rationale has been given for ending the flu-shot requirement, and Hegseth has not publicly addressed any of the personnel changes.

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• “I think he’s missing the mark on personnel. He has separated some of the most extraordinary generals that we’ve had in play. I don’t quite know what’s going on there,” — Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C.

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• “I have the greatest admiration and respect for Gen. Randy George. He’s probably one of the finest officers the United States Army has ever produced. It was a mistake for Secretary Hegseth to dismiss him,” — Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa

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• “He had been making appointments with all of us,” — Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D.

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• “It was a mistake for Secretary Hegseth to dismiss him,” said Sen.” to no longer require all U.S. service members to get flu shots. — Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss.

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