GOP Congressman Puzzled After Learning Pete Hegseth Sacked ‘Brilliant’ Top Army Officer: ‘I’d Look Into It Immediately’

Rep. Richard McCormick (R-GA), a decorated Marine veteran, was caught off guard when a Newsmax host asked him Thursday about Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth sacking Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George.

Hegseth reportedly asked Gen. George to retire so he could be replaced with someone “who will implement President Trump and Hegseth’s vision for the Army,” CBS News reported.

A senior Defense Department official told CBS News, “We are grateful for his service, but it was time for a leadership change in the Army.”

“I wonder if you can respond to some breaking news we got a few moments ago, that the Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, has now asked the Army Chief of Staff to step down,” said Ed Henry, host of The Big Take. “Is there a turmoil at the Pentagon when we need everybody more than ever to be on the same page, sir?”

“That would be news to me if we’re talking about General George,” McCormick answered. “I’m not sure which general you’re talking about, but that would be very surprising to me. And I will look into it immediately, because those are people that I know very well.”

After a discussion about the Iran War, Henry followed up, saying, “Yeah, this is General Randy George. The Associated Press has just confirmed with a Pentagon official that he’s out. Does that concern you? You said this is someone you know well. I mean, obviously, we need all the top officials and leaders there in place.”

“Yeah, I’d be very curious to hear why,” McCormick said. “I mean, Gen. George is a brilliant mind. I think Gen. George and Admiral [Samuel] Paparo are two of the brighter minds we have in the military. I’ve never heard him say anything contrary to what the president is trying to achieve. I thought he’s done a really good job of getting the army ready for war, so I’d like to hear more because that’s concerning to me.”

McCormick added, “And I hope we can get through this because — we’ll have to get through it — we’re the United States of America.”

“Yeah, we need everybody on the same team,” Henry said.

The Army chief of staff typically serves a four-year term, meaning George would have held the position until 2027.

Watch the clip above via NewsMax.

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