US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has asked Army chief General Randy George to retire, the latest senior officer ousted during Trump’s second term.
WASHINGTON: US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has asked General Randy George to step down as chief of staff of the US Army.
A Pentagon statement confirmed George “will be retiring from his position… effective immediately,” without specifying a reason.
An official, speaking anonymously, confirmed a CBS News report that George had been asked to take immediate retirement.
CBS quoted a source saying Hegseth wanted someone who would implement his and President Donald Trump’s vision for the Army.
George is the latest senior military officer to be ousted during Trump’s second term.
His removal comes with the United States engaged in a war with Iran that the president has indicated could last for several more weeks.
During a nearly four-decade career, George deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan multiple times.
He also served as vice chief of staff of the Army and senior military assistant to former Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin.
Trump has overseen a purge of top military officers, including the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Charles “CQ” Brown, whom he fired without explanation in February 2025.
Other senior officers dismissed include the heads of the Navy and Coast Guard.
The general who headed the National Security Agency and the vice chief of staff of the Air Force were also removed.
A Navy admiral assigned to NATO and three top military lawyers have been dismissed as well.
The chief of staff of the Air Force announced his retirement without explanation just two years into a four-year term.
The head of US Southern Command retired a year into his tenure.
Hegseth has insisted the president is simply choosing the leaders he wants.
Democratic lawmakers have raised concerns about the potential politicization of the traditionally neutral US military.
Last year, the Pentagon chief additionally ordered at least a 20% cut in the number of active-duty four-star generals and admirals.
He also ordered a 10% cut in the overall number of general and flag officers.
