U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth (right) and U.S. Army Chief of Staff Randy George. AFP Yonhap News

With the war pitting the United States and Israel against Iran in full swing, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth demanded a resignation, leading to the Army Chief of Staff stepping down, AP and Reuters reported on the 2nd (local time). Sean Parnell, spokesman for the U.S. Ministry of National Defense, said that Army Chief of Staff Randy George will retire immediately. George, who has served in Iraq and Afghanistan, has held the post since August 2023 under the Joe Biden administration. As the Army Chief of Staff typically serves a four-year term, George had been expected to remain in the job until next year.

AP reported that the U.S. Ministry of National Defense did not disclose why Secretary Hegseth was seeking to dismiss the Army Chief of Staff during wartime. According to AFP, CBS reported, citing sources, that Hegseth wants someone who can carry out his and President Donald Trump’s vision for the military. AFP added that Hegseth argues the president is simply choosing the military leaders he wants, while Democratic lawmakers are voicing concerns about the potential politicization of the traditionally neutral U.S. military.

CBS also reported that the attempt to replace the Army Chief of Staff came after controversy erupted when a video was released showing a military Apache helicopter performing a ‘hover’ in front of the home of pro-Trump singer Kid Rock. Earlier, after the Army opened an investigation into two helicopters that flew at low altitude over Kid Rock’s residence and suspended the pilots from duty, Secretary Hegseth lifted the suspensions within hours and said there would be no investigation, sparking controversy.

Because it was unusual for a military helicopter to hover in place in front of a civilian’s home unrelated to training or operations, it triggered controversy over ‘waste of taxpayers’ money’. Hegseth, for his part, appeared to defend the pilots, posting “Patriots, keep moving forward” on social media (SNS). However, CBS reported that a source said Hegseth’s attempt to dismiss the Army Chief of Staff was unrelated to the helicopter incident.