In a sudden move, former President Donald Trump has removed the US Army’s top officer, General Randy George, along with two other senior military officials.
The decision comes as American forces remain heavily engaged in ongoing operations against Iran.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth requested George’s immediate resignation, marking another high-profile exit since Trump returned to office roughly a year ago. No detailed public explanation has been provided for the shake-up.
General George, a nearly 40-year military veteran with multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, had been leading the Army during current operations in Iran.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed that George “will be retiring from his position, effective immediately.”
Reports indicate that General Christopher LaNeve will assume the role of acting chief of staff. Hegseth described LaNeve as “a battle-tested leader with decades of operational experience.”
Two additional senior officers, General David Hodne and Major General William Green Jr., were also removed.
This development follows a broader military reshuffle under Trump, who earlier dismissed the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Charles Q. Brown Jr., without explanation. Other senior officials across the Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and intelligence services have also departed.
While Hegseth defends these changes as the president selecting his preferred leaders, opposition lawmakers have expressed concern over potential political influence on the traditionally neutral US military.