General Randy George assumed the position of Chief of Staff of the US Ground Forces three years ago, during the administration of Joe Biden. The term of office in this army position usually lasts four years. In the past, George also worked as the chief military adviser to the former Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin in the Joe Biden government.
The Pentagon confirmed his release, but did not provide further information. “General Randy A. George will be leaving his post effective immediately. The Department of War is eternal to General George for his decades of service to our nation,” a Pentagon spokesman said on the X social network.
According to NBC News, George’s dismissal stemmed in part from Hegseth’s long-standing disagreements with the military, its leadership and his relationship with Deputy Defense Secretary Daniel Driscoll.
General George is another of more than a dozen senior military officials that Hegseth has dismissed since the beginning of last year. For example, CQ Brown, who was the chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, or the chief of naval operations or the deputy chief of staff of the air force, is on the list of those fired.
In addition to the recall, Hegseth intervened in the promotion of several military officers in recent days. That raised concerns among several military officials that Hegseth might target them because of their race, gender or affiliation with the Biden administration.
According to NBC News, General George wanted to meet with Hegseth on this very topic. However, the minister should have refused the meeting and any discussion of the situation.
According to the Pentagon, George is to be replaced by the current Deputy Chief of Staff of the Army and Hegseth’s former military adviser, General Christopher LaNeve, writes the Politico website. According to NBC News, Hegseth had recently promoted LaNeve to the position of deputy in order to eventually take over George’s position.
Pete Hegseth is a former Fox News political commentator. He won Trump’s trust in 2024, when the president elected him to the post of defense minister.
