Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) has urged President Trump to replace War Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Addressing the recent departure of Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, Tillis wrote, “Our understanding and assumptions of warfare are being challenged in places like Ukraine and Iran, and Dan understands the old way of doing business no longer applies. He and General George began a transformative period of innovation in how we array our forces and equip our Soldiers. He challenged our legacy approach to manning and procurement. Most of all, he cared deeply about the men and women in our Army formations and quickly earned their respect.”
He stated that if the United States had a War Secretary who “maintained the same priorities and forward-thinking, he would be fighting to retain talented leaders like Dan and the many flag officers he has forced into retirement.” Instead, Tillis argued, Hegseth is “creating a leadership void at the top of our military ranks.”
“I urge the President to find a new leader at the Pentagon who will retain and empower our military talent rather than diminish it,” he added.
Driscoll is stepping down from his role after 18 months, the White House shared this week.
“Secretary Driscoll has been highly effective in advancing President Trump’s agenda to Make America Strong Again at the Department of the Army by providing outstanding leadership during historic military operations, restoring an emphasis on readiness and lethality, assisting with negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, and more,” White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said in a statement to the Associated Press, adding, “The United States Army is more powerful than ever thanks to his work alongside the Commander-in-Chief and Secretary of War.”
