Trump's Pentagon faces GOP revolt as senator demands Hegseth's firing
WASHINGTON, DC: Republican Sen Thom Tillis is urging President Donald Trump to remove Secretary of War Pete Hegseth from his Pentagon post, accusing the defense secretary of creating a leadership void by pushing experienced military officials out.
Tillis made the demand on Wednesday, September 2, after Army Secretary Dan Driscoll announced his resignation, adding a fresh Republican break with Hegseth.
Thom Tillis turns Dan Driscoll exit into attack
Tillis thanked Driscoll for his service and called him “the right man at the right moment” to lead Army soldiers and civilians.
I thank @SecArmy Dan Driscoll for his leadership to our Army and service to our country. Dan was the right man at the right moment to lead our Soldiers and Army civilians.
— Senator Thom Tillis (@SenThomTillis) September 2, 2026
Our understanding and assumptions of warfare are being challenged in places like Ukraine and Iran, and Dan…
He said warfare assumptions are being challenged, arguing that Driscoll and Gen George had pursued new approaches to preparing American forces.
Tillis then directed his criticism at Hegseth, saying he had “never witnessed more inept management” of service members and accusing the secretary of being “intimidated by competence.”
Dan Driscoll leaves after Pentagon clashes
Driscoll submitted his resignation on Monday after about 18 months as Army secretary.
As a third-generation Army veteran, it has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as the Secretary of the Army under President Trump and Secretary Hegseth. Tomorrow is my last full day in the role.
— Secretary of the Army (@SecArmy) September 2, 2026
Our Soldiers, Civilians, and their Families are our Nation's very best, and they…
The White House confirmed his departure but did not give a reason, while reports have described repeated disagreements between him and Hegseth.
Driscoll had focused on military modernization, including drone capabilities, and faster acquisition of weapons.
He also played a diplomatic role in efforts surrounding the Russia-Ukraine war.
Senior commanders have also departed
Driscoll’s resignation follows several high-level military departures during Hegseth’s tenure.
STATEMENT:
— Sean Parnell (@SeanParnellASW) April 2, 2026
General Randy A. George will be retiring from his position as the 41st Chief of Staff of the Army effective immediately. The Department of War is grateful for General George’s decades of service to our nation. We wish him well in his retirement.
Army Chief of Staff Gen Randy George was removed in April, while other senior officers have also reportedly left or been pushed out.
The departures have intensified concern among defense lawmakers. The turnover has raised questions on Capitol Hill about continuity across the armed forces, particularly as the United States remains engaged in military action involving Iran.
Trump reportedly heard Dan Driscoll's concerns
Before leaving, Driscoll reportedly went directly to Trump with concerns about the number of generals and senior officers removed, pushed out or passed over for promotion under Hegseth.
According to reporting from The Atlantic, Trump expressed concern after hearing Driscoll describe the scale of the changes.
Other reports said Driscoll had repeatedly warned White House officials about personnel decisions and efforts affecting senior military promotions.
The White House has continued to praise Driscoll’s work and has not publicly endorsed Tillis’ demand.
Leadership shakeup comes amid ongoing operations
The dispute comes as the Army faces a leadership transition while American forces remain involved in operations abroad.
The Army is also trying to adapt to lessons from Ukraine and other conflicts, including the growing role of drones and inexpensive unmanned systems.
Tillis is now asking Trump to replace Hegseth, putting the president in the position of deciding whether the Pentagon’s current direction should continue.
