Politics
Republican Senator Thom Tillis urges Trump to dismiss Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
The North Carolina senator cited mismanagement and leadership voids following the resignation of Army Secretary Dan Driscoll during the ongoing conflict with Iran.
The short version
- Senator Thom Tillis publicly called on President Donald Trump to replace Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, accusing him of poor management and prioritizing cultural disputes over defense strategy.
- The call followed the resignation of Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, which reports attributed to internal policy disagreements with Hegseth.
- The Pentagon faces ongoing strain six months into the war with Iran, including reduced munitions stockpiles and declining public approval for the administration's military strategy.
- It remains unclear whether the White House will act on the request or if additional Republican lawmakers will join Tillis's call.
Key facts
- Senator Thom Tillis urged President Donald Trump to remove Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, alleging inept management and a focus on culture wars over defense priorities.[Al Jazeera]
- The demand came after Army Secretary Dan Driscoll submitted his resignation amid reported disagreements with Hegseth.[Al Jazeera]
- Tillis, who previously voted to confirm Hegseth, announced in June 2025 that he would not seek re-election in the upcoming November midterms.[Al Jazeera]
- The U.S. war with Iran, which began on February 28, has reached the six-month mark amid reports of depleted munitions stockpiles and rising fuel prices.[Al Jazeera]
What remains uncertain
- Whether President Trump or the White House intends to address Tillis's request or reconsider Hegseth's position at the Pentagon.[Al Jazeera]
- The specific details and internal discussions behind Army Secretary Dan Driscoll's resignation.[Al Jazeera]