US defense chief asks army chief of staff to step down: Report

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has asked Army Chief of Staff General Randy George to step down and retire without delay, CBS News reported Thursday, citing sources familiar with the decision. The request signals a push by Hegseth to align the Army’s leadership with the strategic direction favored by both himself and President Donald Trump. According to the report, Hegseth wants someone in the role who will execute their vision for the service branch.

Background on General George

General George previously served as senior military assistant to former Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin during the Biden administration from 2021 to 2022. His departure, if confirmed, would mark another leadership change at the Pentagon as the Trump administration reshapes military command structures amid ongoing US military operations, including the air offensive against Iran. The Pentagon has not yet issued an official statement on the matter.

Türkiye’s perspective

For Türkiye, a NATO ally with close military cooperation ties to the United States, leadership changes within the US Army command structure are watched closely. Ankara maintains regular military-to-military dialogue with Washington on issues ranging from counterterrorism to regional stability in the Middle East and the Black Sea. Any shift in US Army leadership could influence defense planning and operational coordination between the two allies, particularly as the Iran conflict continues to reshape security dynamics across the region.