President Donald Trump Says 'Tell the General I’m Sorry' While Blaming Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for Controversial

President Donald Trump reportedly apologized to Iowa Republican Senator Joni Ernst for the sudden April firing of Army Chief of Staff General Randy George. Trump confirmed he had no direct role in the controversial decision during a private phone call with Ernst. He told Ernst, 'Tell the general I’m sorry,' shifting the blame to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. General George was terminated after he refused Hegseth's directive to remove two Black and two female officers from the promotion list. Days before his firing, George faced pressure to drop an investigation into a military helicopter flyby over Kid Rock's estate. Despite external pressures, George insisted on following standard safety protocol, defying Pentagon leadership. Ernst believed she had secured Hegseth's commitment to allow George to complete his term until mid-2027. However, Hegseth dismissed George during a brief, 15-second phone call, appointing Major General Christopher LaNeve as acting Chief of Staff. Hegseth's…