WASHINGTON — U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has asked Randy George to step down and retire immediately, according to sources cited by CBS News.
One source said Hegseth is seeking a military leader who will implement the strategic vision of President Donald Trump and the defense secretary for the U.S. Army.
A senior Pentagon official told CBS News: “We are grateful for his service, but it is time for a change in leadership within the Army.”
George previously served as senior military assistant to former Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin from 2021 to 2022 during the administration of former President Joe Biden.
A career infantry officer and graduate of United States Military Academy at West Point, George first served in the Gulf War and later took part in military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The Army chief of staff typically serves a four-year term. George was nominated for the role by President Joe Biden and confirmed by the Senate in 2023, meaning his tenure had been expected to continue until 2027.
According to the report, current Vice Chief of Staff Christopher LaNeve will assume the position as acting Army chief. LaNeve previously served as commander of the 82nd Airborne Division from 2022 to 2023 and earlier worked as a military aide to Hegseth.
The reported leadership change signals a potential effort by the administration to reshape the Army’s command structure in line with its evolving military strategy.
#USA #Pentagon #USArmy #Trump #DefenseNews #MilitaryLeadership #BreakingNews #Geopolitics #Washington #USMilitary
