Senator Tillis Urges Trump to Replace Hegseth Over Pentagon Turnover

Sen. Thom Tillis is pressing President Trump to remove Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, citing a string of high-level departures from the Pentagon and what he called inept leadership. The North Carolina Republican went public with his criticism this week after Army Secretary Dan Driscoll stepped down following reported clashes with Hegseth over management and direction.

Tillis described the situation as the worst mismanagement he has seen of the armed forces and accused Hegseth of favoring cultural battles over core defense priorities. He urged Trump to install someone who would keep experienced military talent in place rather than drive it away. Nearly two dozen generals, admirals, and senior civilians have left the department since Hegseth took over, many after disagreements with the secretary.

Former Trump communications director Mike Dubke told CNN that the president is unlikely to act on such calls anytime soon. Dubke said recruitment numbers are strong, with the military meeting its goals for the fiscal year and enlistments reaching a 15-year high. He predicted that only a serious operational failure by U.S. forces would prompt Trump to change course at the Pentagon. Even then, Dubke warned, replacing Hegseth might not quickly restore the force after so many experienced officers have departed.

The criticism comes as the United States remains engaged in its seventh month of conflict with Iran. Strikes have continued in both directions, raising questions about readiness and long-term strategy at a time when the Pentagon is also dealing with internal turnover. Some lawmakers have pointed to the departures as evidence that Hegseth is prioritizing loyalty tests and political messaging over operational strength.

Hegseth, a former Fox News host and Army National Guard major, entered the role with less conventional Washington experience than most prior defense secretaries. Supporters argue that this outsider status has allowed him to challenge entrenched interests and push recruitment gains that the previous administration struggled to achieve. Critics counter that the pace of exits risks hollowing out expertise needed for sustained operations.

Tillis is not the only Republican voicing concern, though his statement stands out as the most direct call for removal. The senator has framed the issue around competence and retention rather than ideology. Hegseth's defenders note that the secretary has emphasized lethality and readiness in public statements, and they view the turnover as a necessary break from past practices that favored career bureaucrats.

The White House has so far shown no sign of moving against Hegseth. Recruitment metrics continue to be highlighted as a bright spot even amid the broader debate over leadership style and institutional stability. Whether mounting pressure from Senate Republicans or developments in the Iran conflict will shift that stance remains an open question in Washington.