Democratic lawmakers grilled Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over Operation Epic Fury, the U.S.-Israeli campaign against Iran, but also asked why he fired Gen. Randy George, the Army chief of staff.
Mr. Hegseth wouldn’t discuss the details about why Gen. George was ousted as the Army’s top officer, but said the service “needed new leadership.”
“I will note it’s very difficult to change the culture of a department that’s been destroyed by the wrong perspectives,” he said in response to questioning from Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, Pennsylvania Democrat.
“So, Gen. George destroyed a culture?” she asked. “You have no way of explaining why you fired one of the most decorated and remarkable men who’ve ever served this nation.”
“We needed new leadership,” Mr. Hegseth said. “That’s my answer.”
• Mike Glenn can be reached at mglenn@washingtontimes.com.
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