From CBS News: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has asked Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George to step down and take immediate retirement, sources familiar with the decision told CBS News.
One of the sources said Hegseth wants someone in the role who will implement President Trump and Hegseth’s vision for the Army.
George previously served as the senior military assistant to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin from 2021-2022, during the Biden administration, after decades of service. A career infantry officer and West Point graduate, George first served in the first Gulf War and the more recent conflicts of Iraq and Afghanistan.
The Army chief of staff typically serves a four-year term. George was nominated for the position by President Joe Biden and confirmed by the Senate in 2023, meaning he would typically have held the position until 2027.
The report notes that one likely person to replace George would be the current vice chief of staff of the Army, Gen. Christopher LaNeve, who previously served as Hegseth’s military aide.
LaNeve was also the commanding general of the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division from 2022 to 2023.
Scoop: @SecWar Pete Hegseth has asked Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George to step down and take immediate retirement, sources familiar with the decision told @CBSNews.
— Jennifer Jacobs (@JenniferJJacobs) April 2, 2026
Although sources say this wasn’t the reason for Hegseth asking George to leave, a recent incident took place between them involving two Army helicopters that flew near singer Kid Rock’s home in Nashville, Tennessee.
The helicopters hovered near the singer’s home in an apparent salute. George then suspended the crews from flying.
Hegseth quickly reacted, overriding the suspension and declaring there was nothing to punish them for.
“This is a level of respect that shit for brains Governor of California will never know. God Bless America and all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to defend her. 🇺🇸 🙏,” Kid Rock wrote, sharing the videos.
— KidRock (@KidRock) March 28, 2026
Hegseth responded, “Thank you @KidRock. @USArmy pilots suspension LIFTED. No punishment. No investigation. Carry on, patriots. 🇺🇸.”
Thank you @KidRock.@USArmy pilots suspension LIFTED.
No punishment. No investigation.
Carry on, patriots. 🇺🇸 https://t.co/Zqhv1Zx1iG
— Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) March 31, 2026
Earlier this week, Republican congressional candidate Brandon Herrera responded to the news that Hegseth was considering removing George:
I certainly hope this isn’t the case.
General Randy George is a great American, and everyone I’ve spoken to who served under him in combat roles has great respect for his leadership. https://t.co/8ZdygjOl0N pic.twitter.com/baoRro7EbJ
— Brandon Herrera (@TheAKGuy) March 30, 2026
— Gen. Randy A George (@RandyGoerge211) March 24, 2026
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