0:00
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has now forced out the Army's top officer
0:07
ordering General Randy George to retire immediately. CBS News first reported the move, later confirmed by the Pentagon
0:15
A spokesperson says George is stepping down, effective immediately, thanking him for decades of service
0:21
George had been in the role since 2023 and was expected to stay through 2027
0:27
Instead, Hegseth pushed for a change at the top, with one official telling CBS he wants leadership aligned with his and President Trump's vision for the Army
0:36
This is the latest in a string of high-level shakeups inside the military
0:40
Hegseth has already removed or replaced more than a dozen senior officers across multiple branches
0:46
He has defended those decisions publicly, arguing allies and the military need to step up and follow a clearer mission
0:53
CNN reports the move also ties into internal friction at the Pentagon
0:58
George worked closely with Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, a key Trump ally
1:03
but Hegseth viewed that relationship as a problem and at times saw Driscoll as a rival
1:08
Officials say George's past role, working under former Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in the Biden administration
1:14
also worked against him with the current leadership. The Pentagon made the announcement on social media, calling it an immediate retirement
1:22
and thanking George for his service. Just days ago, George was still on the job visiting West Point and meeting with cadets
1:29
The Academy posting photos of that visit highlighting his guidance to future Army leaders
1:35
Now the Army's Vice Chief, General Christopher Laniv, a close Hegseth ally
1:40
is expected to step in as Acting Chief
