Pentagon Pete Accused of Axing General Over a ‘Grudge’

Key Points:

• Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine criticized Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for allegedly letting personal grudges influence his decision to remove decorated Army Gen. Christopher Donahue, questioning whether such firings serve national interests or personal vendettas.
• Gen. Donahue, who led U.S. Army Europe and Africa and was the last American soldier to leave Afghanistan, retired after clashes with Hegseth, prompting concern over politically motivated staffing changes in the military.
• Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell emphasized that general officers serve at the pleasure of the President and Secretary of Defense, underscoring the administration's authority over military appointments.
• Hegseth has faced bipartisan criticism for removing numerous senior military officials and blocking promotions of Black and female officers, raising alarms about potential politicization within the Pentagon.
• Senators, including GOP Sen. Thom Tillis, have called Hegseth’s actions mistakes, and lawmakers are considering legislative measures to impose safeguards on military leadership changes.