Story perspectives

Senate Questions Hegseth After Removing Senior Leaders

4/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

Senate Republicans are questioning Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s leadership after he removed Army Chief of Staff Randy George, Navy Secretary John Phelan and Joint Chiefs chairman Gen. C.Q. Brown, noting his oversight of only 30-40 staff.
He will testify before the House and Senate Armed Services Committees on Wednesday and Thursday to defend Pentagon’s $1.5 trillion budget request.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said the departures reflect leadership changes for departmental reform.

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Story summary

Senate Republicans are questioning Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s leadership after he removed Army Chief of Staff Randy George, Navy Secretary John Phelan and Joint Chiefs chairman Gen. C.Q. Brown, noting his oversight of only 30-40 staff.
He will testify before the House and Senate Armed Services Committees on Wednesday and Thursday to defend Pentagon’s $1.5 trillion budget request.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said the departures reflect leadership changes for departmental reform.