Former three-star general retires amid tension with Hegseth, Caine: Report

A three-star general recently left his position at the Pentagon, following months of reported tension with War Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Dan Caine, marking the latest defense-related shake-up for the Trump administration.

The Trump administration previously fired the general whose agency was responsible for releasing an intelligence report on the damage caused by U.S. airstrikes on Iran, and replaced some of the United States top military brass. Others have voluntarily left. 

Lt. Gen. Joe McGee, the director for Strategy, Plans, and Policy on the Joint Staff, left his post earlier this month, according to CNN. McGee, a Biden nominee, frequently pushed back on Hegseth and Caine over issues like Russia and military operations in the Caribbean. 

“Lt Gen. JP McGee will retire after nearly three years of outstanding leadership and service on the Joint Staff," a Joint Staff spokesperson told CNN. "We are grateful for his 35 years of honorable and dedicated service to the Nation. We owe him a great debt for his service and it is regrettable anonymous sources would put the focus anywhere else.”

The military has not commented on reports of tension between McGee and the Trump administration. 

US Southern Command Adm. Alvin Holsey is also reportedly retiring his post this year, because of tension with the administration over missile strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean, despite only serving one year in the position.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.