Lawmakers from both parties have raised serious concerns about Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s recent removals of senior military leaders, signaling Congress may impose new oversight requirements if the Department of Defense fails to provide clearer explanations for the shake-up.
The latest scrutiny follows the departure of Gen. Chris Donahue, commander of U.S. Army Europe and Africa, one of several high-ranking officers who have left their posts under Hegseth’s leadership.
Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell stated on Sunday that “General officers and flag officers serve at the pleasure of the President and the Secretary of War,” emphasizing this has always been the case.
Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, warned lawmakers may pursue additional oversight if the Department of Defense does not deliver clearer explanations for the personnel changes. “I don’t think that concern is misplaced. We’re worried about the same thing,” Kaine said on CBS’ Face the Nation, referring to warnings that recent firings could discourage senior military leaders from offering candid advice.
Kaine questioned whether the leadership changes reflect an effort to sideline dissenting voices. “Are you pushing out the truth tellers to surround yourself by yes-men?” he asked.
He also suggested Hegseth’s decisions have disproportionately impacted Army leadership. “That’s a grudge he’s carried,” Kaine noted, referencing Hegseth’s past comments about his service in the Army National Guard. “So when you see Army officers forced out, you’ve got to wonder: is this a personal thing, or is it really what’s best for the nation?”
The Department of Defense maintains that the changes fall within authority traditionally exercised by civilian leaders, but critics argue the lack of public explanation has fueled questions both inside and outside the military.
Among Republicans expressing concern are Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., and Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., a retired Air Force brigadier general and member of the House Armed Services Committee. Bacon previously warned on X that the dismissals reflected “a lack of character” and risked politicizing the armed forces while undermining confidence within ranks.
The debate is now spilling into Congress’ work on the annual National Defense Authorization Act. Kaine stated the Senate version of the defense policy bill does not currently address the removals but suggested lawmakers could seek bipartisan “guardrails” if the Department of Defense fails to provide more information. “When we bring it up on the floor … if we need to go farther to put some guardrails in place, you’ll probably find bipartisan support to do that,” he said.
The House has already approved a proposal requiring the Department of Defense to notify Congress within five days whenever a senior military officer is removed. The measure would not limit the secretary’s authority but would require greater transparency.
The controversy follows Hegseth’s oversight of several high-profile leadership changes, including the removal of Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George, Army Training and Doctrine Command chief Gen. David Hodne, and Army Chief of Chaplains Maj. Gen. William Green Jr.
Kaine added lawmakers remain frustrated by the Department of Defense’s response: “We don’t yet have good answers from the Pentagon.”
