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Hegseth’s Purge Leaves the Army Rudderless

newsAug 25, 202661531

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has removed a string of senior Army officers, leaving the Army without a chief of staff after Hegseth fired Gen. Randy George in April, the New York Times reports. The Times says Hegseth has forced out at least three senior officers who had been viewed as potential successors to the top job. The leadership vacuum comes as the Army is trying to adapt to a new battlefield dominated by cheap, deadly drones and missiles. Critics quoted in coverage say the firings weaken the service at a risky moment for U.S. forces engaged around Iran and supporting Ukraine. Reports also say President Trump privately apologized to Sen. Joni Ernst after the firing of Gen. George, suggesting tension between the White House and Hegseth over the removals. There are no signs Hegseth is close to naming a new chief of staff, leaving command continuity unresolved.

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