Republican senators are growing increasingly frustrated with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and are urging President Donald Trump to “move on” from his Pentagon chief, according to a report from The Hill. Several GOP senators, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Hegseth would not be able to pass a congressional confirmation process today and expressed hope that Trump would replace him.
Senators criticize Hegseth's leadership turnover
The senators pointed to Hegseth’s firing of top military leaders, including Navy Secretary John Phelan and Army Chief of Staff General Randy George, as evidence of a troubling pattern. One GOP senator told The Hill: “The hollowing out of incredible leadership at the Pentagon has been a big concern. It really came to a tipping point when Gen. George was dismissed.”
Phelan was reportedly fired last week for refusing to ignore a court ruling, while George was dismissed for allegedly being insufficiently aligned with Trump and Hegseth’s vision for the armed forces, which emphasizes authority, might, and Christian nationalist values.
Public criticism from retiring senators
Some retiring Republican senators criticized Hegseth publicly. Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa said: “I have the greatest admiration and respect for Gen. Randy George. He’s probably one of the finest officers the United States Army has ever produced. It was a mistake for Secretary Hegseth to dismiss him.”
Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina, also retiring, told The Hill: “There’s no question he’s got a failing grade.” Tillis cited Hegseth’s “less-than-ideal” personnel moves and warned that he was repeating mistakes that led to former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem’s firing.
Wider concerns amid Cabinet shakeup
Senator Mike Rounds of South Dakota expressed surprise over Phelan’s firing and said he was awaiting an explanation. Another senator noted that Hegseth is feuding with Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, calling it “unhelpful.”
These criticisms come as Trump’s administration undergoes a Cabinet shakeup, with Attorney General Pam Bondi fired earlier this month after a controversial tenure. Speculation swirls about potential further departures, including FBI Director Kash Patel and the Secret Service director, who faces scrutiny after a shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
Patel has faced allegations of misconduct, including using FBI jets for personal travel with his girlfriend and excessive drinking, which he denies and has sued The Atlantic over. Hegseth’s own drinking habits were reported to have concerned colleagues at Fox News before he joined the administration.
Pentagon defends Hegseth
A Pentagon spokesperson defended the leadership changes, stating: “Out of respect for uniformed officers, the Secretary does not comment on the nature of their departure. But we all serve at the pleasure of the President — and the President and the Secretary deserve officers who fully and expeditiously embrace the priorities, policies, and objectives of this Administration.”
The spokesperson added: “It is extremely difficult to reform a department — particularly a department the size of DoD — with the same personnel who were a part of previous priorities. Necessary changes have been made and will continue to be made.”
