Senator Tillis Urges Trump to Replace Hegseth Over Pentagon Turnover

Senior military departures under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have prompted Republican Sen. Thom Tillis to call publicly for his removal, citing risks to leadership depth at a time when the Pentagon oversees ongoing operations. Tillis, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, stated on social media that he had never seen more inept management and urged President Trump to appoint a leader who would retain rather than diminish talent. His comments followed the resignation of Army Secretary Dan Driscoll after reported clashes with Hegseth and the earlier departure of Gen. Randy George at Hegseth's request.

Hegseth has overseen nearly two dozen exits among generals, admirals, and senior civilians since taking office, according to reporting across multiple outlets. Tillis praised Driscoll and George for advancing force innovation and warned that the pattern creates a leadership void. Former Trump communications director Mike Dubke told CNN that replacement would likely require a significant military setback before the White House acts, while noting that recruitment has reached a 15-year high and met fiscal-year goals.

Democrats have echoed the criticism. Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona stated that Hegseth has passed his expiration date. References to a U.S.-Iran conflict beginning Feb. 28 appear in some coverage but lack dates, authorizations, or outcome details in the available reports and could not be independently verified. Hegseth's Senate confirmation for the post is documented in official records. No primary data on blocked promotions or specific readiness metrics beyond recruitment figures were supplied by the outlets examined.