Ex-Defense chief Panetta accuses Hegseth of weakening military command
Former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said Thursday that Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth is weakening the US military by disrupting its command structure. He pointed to the recent resignation of Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and the removal of Army chief of staff Gen. Randy George as examples. Panetta argued such turmoil damages the Army's effectiveness, particularly amid the current war with Iran.
Panetta's criticism comes amid a turbulent period at the Pentagon under Hegseth, who has served more than 19 months and pushed for stricter physical fitness standards across the armed services. The former Obama-era Pentagon and CIA chief specifically cited the departure of Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and the April removal of Gen. Randy George as evidence of a disrupted command structure.
The turmoil extends beyond top posts, with Hegseth having blocked promotions for four Army officers tied to dismissed branch officials and recently removed six more officers from consideration for two-star general roles. Panetta warned that depleted interceptor stockpiles from the Iran conflict make experienced leadership especially critical, and GOP Sen. Thom Tillis has separately called Hegseth "inept."
The public clash between a former defense secretary and the current Pentagon chief could erode confidence in military leadership during an active conflict with Iran. Service members and their families may feel heightened uncertainty about command stability, while lawmakers weighing defense budgets could factor leadership turmoil into oversight decisions. The dispute may also influence public perception of civilian control