A growing number of Senate Republicans are raising concerns over the leadership of US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, with some suggesting he should step aside, though they acknowledge that the decision ultimately rests with President Donald Trump.
Lawmakers pointed to recent high-profile departures, including Army Chief of Staff Randy George and Navy Secretary John Phelan, as key sources of concern.
Hegseth is expected to meet lawmakers in the coming days and testify before Congress, where he will likely face pointed questions about leadership changes, internal disputes, and the broader direction of U.S. defense policy.
Several GOP defense hawks have expressed frustration over reports that George was pressured to resign earlier this month and were caught off guard by Phelan’s sudden dismissal, US media reported.
The developments have intensified scrutiny of Hegseth’s management style and decision-making.
Senator Thom Tillis, who previously supported Hegseth’s confirmation, openly questioned whether the Defense secretary has the experience required to oversee a vast and complex institution like the Pentagon.
He cited concerns about recent personnel decisions and described Hegseth’s managerial performance as falling short.
Criticism has also emerged over Hegseth’s reported tensions with Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, a figure widely respected among Republican lawmakers.
Sen. Joni Ernst called the removal of George a “mistake,” praising the general’s record and leadership.
Senator Mike Rounds said Phelan’s firing came as a surprise, noting that the Navy secretary had been actively engaging with lawmakers ahead of key defense legislation, US media reported.
Pentagon officials have defended the leadership changes.
Despite the criticism, some Republicans acknowledged the continued effectiveness of US military operations, including recent missions related to tensions with Iran.
