Tillis demands Hegseth's firing as Pentagon leadership crisis deepens

Key points

• Sen. Thom Tillis called on President Trump to replace Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, accusing him of prioritizing culture wars over national defense.
• Army Secretary Dan Driscoll resigned on Monday after reportedly telling Trump that the Army lacked sufficient senior leadership to function effectively.
• The US Army currently lacks a confirmed chief of staff, operations commander, and European commander due to recent firings and retirements.
• Hegseth’s tenure has seen the removal of approximately 20 military and civilian leaders, including Gen. Randy George.
• The US military faces shrinking munitions stockpiles and readiness concerns as the war with Iran enters its sixth month.

Background

This escalation follows a series of leadership changes at the Pentagon. In August, top generals reportedly warned Hegseth that prolonged operations against Iran were unsustainable. The current crisis builds on earlier tensions, including Tillis’s previous reservations about Hegseth’s confirmation and his decision not to seek re-election in 2026.

How outlets are covering it

Al Jazeera and Time Magazine emphasize Tillis’s public demand for Hegseth’s removal, framing it as a response to 'inept management' and the loss of experienced leaders. The Atlantic provides a more detailed account of the internal dysfunction, noting that Driscoll directly appealed to Trump to highlight the Army’s leadership gap. The Washington Post offers a contrasting view of the White House’s stance, reporting that Trump encouraged Driscoll to remain in his role through the midterm elections, suggesting a desire to maintain stability despite the conflict. While Tillis and Rep. Don Bacon criticize Hegseth’s leadership, Trump has publicly defended the Secretary, calling him a 'very good guy' and dismissing speculation about a 2028 presidential bid.

Why it matters

The resignation of key military leaders and the public call for Hegseth’s firing signal a deepening crisis within the US defense establishment. This instability occurs during an active conflict with Iran, raising concerns about the military’s ability to sustain operations and maintain readiness. The political fallout also impacts the upcoming midterm elections, as the administration’s handling of the war and defense policy faces increasing scrutiny from both parties.

What to watch

President Trump is expected to decide whether to replace Hegseth or maintain his support for the Secretary. The Pentagon will need to fill the vacant positions of Army Secretary and other senior roles to restore leadership capacity. The outcome of the November midterm elections may also influence the political pressure on the administration regarding defense policy and military readiness.