Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended a wave of senior officer removals before the House Armed Services Committee, claiming it mirrored President Obama’s record. He cited “197 general officers” dismissed under Obama, a figure the Pentagon has previously acknowledged as false. The claim traced back to an unsigned 2018 Investor’s Business Daily editorial that relied on a Breitbart Facebook post. It raises oversight concerns.

Lawmakers pressed Hegseth on recent dismissals, including the removal of Army Chief of Staff General Randy A. George. Rep. Austin Scott (R‑Ga.) expressed respect but disagreed, while Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D‑Pa.) called George a “patriot” and demanded an explanation. Hegseth replied that the department’s culture required change, offering no details on the officers’ alleged misconduct. He also declined to discuss any internal reviews.

The controversy deepened after Hegseth halted promotions for four officers—two Black men and two women—out of a list of roughly three dozen, prompting accusations of bias. Senator Jack Reed warned the intervention violated merit‑based promotion rules. With the Pentagon refusing comment, Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine face another Senate hearing to justify the unprecedented actions. The decision could affect future retention.