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The administration of Donald Trump has removed the US Army’s top officer, General Randy George, along with two other senior officials, in a sudden military shake-up.
Officials said the decision came as US forces remain heavily involved in a major conflict with Iran.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth asked George to step down, marking another high-level exit since Trump returned to power about a year ago.
There was no detailed public explanation for the move. George, a highly experienced officer, had been leading the army during ongoing US military operations against Iran, which Trump has said will continue for weeks.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said in a statement that George “will be retiring from his position, effective immediately.”
General George served in the military for nearly 40 years, including multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. He also held key roles such as vice chief of staff of the army and senior military assistant to former defence secretary Lloyd Austin.
According to reports, General Christopher LaNeve will take over as acting chief of staff. Hegseth previously described him as “a battle-tested leader with decades of operational experience.”
Two other senior officers were also removed: General David Hodne and Major General William Green Jr.
The development is part of a wider reshuffle under Trump. Earlier, he removed the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Charles Q. Brown Jr, without explanation, shortly after taking office.
Several other top military officials across the Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force, and intelligence services have also been dismissed or stepped down.
While Hegseth has defended the changes, saying the president is choosing his preferred leaders, opposition lawmakers have raised concerns about possible political influence over the traditionally neutral US military.
