Sources say Hegseth has dismissed several high-profile leaders in recent months, including Navy head John Phelan, Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George and Army Chaplain Gen. William Green Jr. Reports claim George was pushed out after refusing an order to remove four officers—two Black men and two women—from a promotion list.
At a Senate hearing, when Sen. Jack Reed asked whether President Trump ordered such targeting, Hegseth replied, 'Of course not.' The exchange left lawmakers and staff uneasy and raised questions about the decision-making behind the firings.