Overview
- Pentagon officials confirmed late Thursday that George would retire effective immediately at Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s request, with Gen. Christopher LaNeve named acting Army chief.
- The change lands during active U.S. operations against Iran, as the Pentagon moves thousands of troops — including elements of the 82nd Airborne Division — into the Middle East.
- No official reason has been provided for the ouster, which CBS News first reported, and lawmakers on the armed services committees are expected to seek explanations about timing and impact.
- Multiple outlets report Hegseth wants senior officers who will carry out his and President Trump’s vision for the Army, and LaNeve previously served as Hegseth’s military aide.
- George was confirmed in 2023 to a four‑year term that would have run to 2027, and his abrupt exit fits a wider reshuffle that has seen more than a dozen senior officers removed, with some reports also noting two unconfirmed Army departures on Thursday.