Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is under increasing pressure in his role at the Pentagon. A Republican senator has called on President Donald Trump to replace him. Senator Thom Tillis, a North Carolina Republican and former member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, has publicly urged Trump to find a new Pentagon chief. This follows the resignation of Army Secretary Dan Driscoll.
Tillis stated, “I urge the President to find a new leader at the Pentagon who will retain and empower our military talent rather than diminish it.” He praised Driscoll as the right man at the right moment, noting his efforts to modernize the Army, especially in changing warfare scenarios in Ukraine and Iran. However, Tillis criticized Hegseth, describing a leadership void among military ranks.
Tillis declared, “I have never witnessed more inept management of the brave men and women who serve our country.” He accused Hegseth of being intimidated by competence and focusing on cultural issues over national defense. Republican Representative Don Bacon of Nebraska shared Tillis’s sentiments, indicating he would not have Hegseth on his team.
This call intensifies pressure on Hegseth from within the Republican Party. This comes during a time of significant senior leadership turnover in the Pentagon. The Pentagon declined to comment, deferring to Newsweek for further inquiries.
Demands for Change in Leadership
This criticism extends beyond Democrats to Republicans questioning Hegseth’s management. Republican Representative Mike Rogers, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, expressed his desire for stability. He noted recent leadership changes have left key positions temporarily filled.
Other GOP members, like Representative Dusty Johnson and Senator Mike Rounds, have also criticized the turnover. Rounds noted the loss of several respected generals, with resignations like Driscoll’s sparking speculation of dissatisfaction with Hegseth.
Democrats have called for Hegseth’s impeachment, citing unauthorized actions against Iran and reckless endangerment of U.S. service members, among other allegations. Representative Yassamin Ansari introduced a resolution to this effect, presenting six articles of impeachment. Despite the introduction, Hegseth remains in his position as the resolution has yet to advance through the House.
Internal Party Tensions
Prediction markets predict a low probability of Hegseth leaving soon, though chances might increase later in the year. Speculation over Driscoll’s resignation highlights potential disagreements with Hegseth.
Disagreements reportedly involved military leadership, modernization, and the treatment of senior officers. Notably, Hegseth’s decision to remove Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George irked Driscoll. Concerns over Hegseth’s influence on Army transformation plans also surfaced.
Hegseth’s Restructuring at the Pentagon
Hegseth has actively reshaped Pentagon senior leadership. Since his tenure, over 20 high-ranking officials have been removed or resigned. Key dismissals include:
- Charles Q. Brown Jr. – Joint Chiefs chairman.
- Lisa Franchetti – First woman Navy chief.
- David Allvin – Air Force chief.
- Randy George – Army chief.
- Christopher Donahue – Army Europe/Africa commander.
Proponents argue that new leadership supports swift adaptation to modern warfare. Critics, however, believe the changes dampen morale and disrupt succession planning. With ongoing military operations, continued pressure on Hegseth remains.
The ongoing influence of Tillis’s criticism within the Republican Party could indicate broader dissent regarding Hegseth’s leadership. Observers now watch to see if this pressure will mount or dissipate.
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