Hegseth boots Army chief of staff as Iran war intensifies: Report

The war itself has become a political liability for Trump, with a clear majority of likely voters favoring a quick end to the conflict, even at the cost of operational success.

By Ben Whedon

Published: April 2, 2026 4:23pm

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth asked Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George to step down immediately and retire, CBS News reported, citing "sources familiar with the decision."

The removal of a senior leader in the military comes as the Trump administration faces intense domestic and international scrutiny over the Iran war, which appears poised to last longer than the initial 4-5 week timeline. President Donald Trump himself on Wednesday evening indicated he planned to escalate attacks on Iran for the next 2-3 weeks in a bid to force Tehran to capitulate.

"We are grateful for his service, but it was time for a leadership change in the Army," a source at the Department of War told CBS News, referencing George.

The reason for his ouster remains unclear, though it comes as the U.S. has struggled to achieve its strategic objectives in the Iran war. The war itself has become a political liability for Trump, with a clear majority of likely voters favoring a quick end to the conflict, even at the cost of operational success.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.