Hegseth Defends Removal of Nearly 30 Generals in Hearings

WASHINGTON Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended his removal of nearly 30 generals and admirals over the past year during congressional hearings this week, citing a disputed figure of 197 general officers removed under former President Barack Obama to argue that such actions are not unique to the current administration.

Hegseth testified before the House Armed Services Committee on Wednesday and the Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday amid questions about the pace and rationale for the changes. Lawmakers from both parties expressed concern over specific decisions, including the early April removal of Gen. Randy A. George as Army chief of staff. George, nominated by former President Joe Biden and confirmed in 2023, had served a typical four-year term that would have extended to 2027. He previously acted as senior military assistant to then-Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.

"I would also note that under Barack Obama, 197 general officers were removed," Hegseth told the House panel. "So this is not something specific to this administration." The figure, which originated from an unsigned 2018 editorial citing an unverified social media post, has no factual basis and was...