Hegseth purges top generals
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth fired top Army generals, including Chief of Staff Randy George. The purge signals a shift toward 'maximum lethality' over civilian protection.
Background
Pete Hegseth, as Defense Secretary, has been reshaping the military's leadership and priorities. He reportedly polled top commanders about cutting a civilian harm mitigation program, which he viewed as 'woke.' After gutting the program, civilian casualties increased during operations in Iran. He also fired General Randy George without explanation, drawing criticism from Republicans and Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, who is now expected to step down.
How it unfolded
- early 2025Hegseth polled top commanders about cutting the Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response program, which they supported.
- Apr 2026Hegseth fired General Randy George as Army chief of staff without explanation, drawing criticism from Republicans and Army Secretary Dan Driscoll.
- Aug 21, 2026Pentagon forced out top staffers at Stars and Stripes, with Hegseth's pressure campaign cited.
- Aug 22, 2026Army Secretary Dan Driscoll expected to step down by year's end after months of tension with Hegseth.
- Aug 25, 2026Hegseth purges top generals, as reported by The New York Times.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Defense Secretary Hegseth argues that focusing on civilian security is 'woke' and out of step with 'maximum lethality.'
- Critics
- Republicans in Congress and Army Secretary Driscoll criticized the firing of General George, calling him 'an amazing, transformative leader.'
- Analysts
- ProPublica reports that the gutting of the civilian protection program led to hundreds of noncombatant deaths.
Still unverified
The specific reasons for General George's firing were not provided, and the full extent of the purge is still emerging.