Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is under increasing scrutiny concerning his management of the Pentagon. A prominent call for his removal came from Senator Thom Tillis, a North Carolina Republican and former Senate Armed Services Committee member.
Senator Tillis publicly asked President Donald Trump to appoint a new Pentagon chief following Army Secretary Dan Driscoll’s resignation. Tillis stated on X, “I urge the President to find a new leader at the Pentagon who will retain and empower our military talent rather than diminish it.” Tillis commended Driscoll as an effective leader in Army modernization efforts, noting his contributions to adapting warfare strategies in regions such as Ukraine and Iran.
However, Tillis criticized Hegseth, stating he was “creating a leadership void at the top of our military ranks.” Tillis further charged Hegseth with inadequate management and being intimidated by competence, focusing on cultural issues instead of national defense.
Republican Representative Don Bacon echoed Tillis’ concerns while speaking to CNN, suggesting Hegseth lacked strong leadership skills and had been “trouble from the beginning.” Bacon added that he agreed with Senators Tillis’ sentiments.
Pressure is mounting on Hegseth within Republican circles, as the Pentagon navigates significant senior leadership changes. The Pentagon declined to comment when approached by Newsweek.
Criticism from Republicans
Hegseth has faced extensive criticism, especially from Democrats calling for his removal. Recently, Republican figures have also questioned Hegseth’s Pentagon administration.
Representative Mike Rogers, Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, expressed a desire for stability, remarking, “I’m tired of all the churn.” Rogers highlighted that the Army secretary and chief of staff had departed, leaving interim nominations amid the uncertainty of confirmation.
Republican Representative Dusty Johnson agreed, citing excessive turnover among senior officers. Senator Mike Rounds emphasized the loss of respected generals, noting Driscoll’s frustration over these departures.
Democrats have pursued impeachment efforts against Hegseth. Representative Adelita Grijalva remarked that impeachment was overdue, an opinion shared by several Democratic lawmakers.
Rep. Yassamin Ansari introduced H.Res. 1177 for the impeachment of Hegseth, featuring six articles charging misconduct and violation of armed conflict laws, among other allegations. Though introduced, it requires advancement in the House and Senate for conviction.
Future Prospects
Prediction markets indicate a moderate probability of Hegseth’s departure, with increasing odds as the year progresses. The Kalshi market predicted a 9 percent chance of removal before October 1 and up to 30 percent by December 1.
Dan Driscoll’s Resignation
Army Secretary Dan Driscoll resigned, but details of his decision remain unclear. His departure coincides with continuing turnover among senior military leaders.
Some speculate Driscoll may have disagreed with Hegseth’s leadership, though the administration states personnel changes are meant to align with its priorities.
Conflict with Hegseth
Reports indicate tension between Hegseth and Driscoll over military modernization and leadership. A notable conflict was Hegseth’s removal of Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George, a close associate of Driscoll.
Driscoll praised George’s leadership despite his removal, and reportedly raised concerns about Hegseth’s interference in Army transformation with the administration.
Hegseth blocked or questioned the promotion of several officers considered key to modernization, leading some to describe the impact as “generational damage.”
State of the Pentagon
Hegseth has overseen major leadership changes, including dismissals of top generals and defense officials. Significant removals include:
- Charles Q. Brown Jr. — Joint Chiefs chairman, removed in February 2025.
- Lisa Franchetti — Navy chief, removed in February 2025.
- David Allvin — Air Force chief, retired in 2025.
- Randy George — Army chief, retired in April 2026.
- Christopher Donahue — Army Europe/Africa commander, career extension blocked.
Supporters assert an administration can replace leaders to align priorities. Critics argue extensive removals degrade morale and systemic expertise.
As military operations continue, potential departures could increase pressure on Hegseth. Whether Tillis’s intervention is a lone political rebuke or signals broader GOP discontent with Hegseth remains uncertain.