Defense Secretary Hegseth Ousts Army Chief of Staff

Gen. Randy George asked to retire immediately, Lt. Gen. Christopher LaNeve to serve as acting chief

Apr. 2, 2026 at 11:18pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, abstract painting of an Army uniform cap in overlapping geometric shapes and brushstrokes, conveying a sense of disruption and change within the military's leadership.The sudden ouster of the Army's top general signals a broader shakeup of military leadership under the new Defense Secretary.Today in Nashville

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has asked the Army's chief of staff, Gen. Randy George, to step down from his post and retire immediately, according to a Pentagon official. The Army did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but the Pentagon confirmed George's retirement after he served as the Army's 41st chief of staff since 2023.

Why it matters

Hegseth's decision to oust George marks the latest example of tension between the Defense Secretary and the Army's leadership. Since taking office, Hegseth has fired more than a dozen senior military officers across different branches, signaling a broader effort to reshape the military's top ranks.

The details

Lt. Gen. Christopher LaNeve, the Army's current vice chief of staff who previously served as Hegseth's military aide, will now serve as the acting chief of staff. Hegseth praised LaNeve as a 'generational leader' who will help the Army 'revive the warrior ethos, rebuild for the modern battlefield and deter our enemies around the world.'

  • Gen. Randy George assumed the Army chief of staff role in September 2023 after being confirmed by the Senate.
  • Hegseth asked George to step down and retire immediately on April 2, 2026.

The players

Pete Hegseth

The current U.S. Secretary of Defense, appointed by the president in 2021.

Gen. Randy George

The 41st chief of staff of the U.S. Army, who served in the role from 2023 until his ouster in 2026.

Lt. Gen. Christopher LaNeve

The Army's current vice chief of staff, who will now serve as the acting chief of staff.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“General LaNeve — a generational leader — will help ensure the Army revives the warrior ethos, rebuilds for the modern battlefield and deters our enemies around the world.”

— Pete Hegseth, U.S. Secretary of Defense

“The Department of War is grateful for General George's decades of service to our nation. We wish him well in his retirement.”

— Sean Parnell, Pentagon chief spokesperson

What’s next

The Army is expected to formally announce Gen. George's retirement and Lt. Gen. LaNeve's appointment as acting chief of staff in the coming days.

The takeaway

Hegseth's decision to remove the Army's top general is the latest in a series of high-profile firings of senior military leaders, signaling the Defense Secretary's intent to reshape the military's leadership to align with his own priorities and vision for the armed forces.