Sen. Thom Tillis Calls on Trump to Fire Hegseth, Saying He Has "Never Witnessed More Inept Management" of the Military

Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., publicly called on President Trump to remove Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Sept. 3, 2026, two days after Army Secretary Dan Driscoll resigned following reported clashes with Hegseth. "I have never witnessed more inept management of the brave men and women who serve our country," Tillis wrote on X. "He is intimidated by competence and retreats to ginning up culture wars instead of soberly attending to the vital work of our national defense." He urged the president "to find a new leader at the Pentagon who will retain and empower our military talent rather than diminish it."

It is the sharpest public break with Hegseth by a Republican senator. Nearly two dozen generals, admirals and senior civilian defense officials have resigned, retired early or been fired during his tenure, several after reported disagreements with him, and Republican concern has grown since the war with Iran began on Feb. 28.

Tillis served on the Senate Armed Services Committee and announced in June 2025 he would not seek re-election. Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., said Tillis "is right." The White House has not announced any change at the Pentagon.