In a bold reiteration on Wednesday, Senator Thom Tillis called upon President Donald Trump to dismiss Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. This demand follows the recent resignation of Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and ongoing disputes over the direction of military leadership.

Senator Tillis, a North Carolina Republican not seeking re-election, expressed his dismay on social media platform X, criticizing Hegseth's handling of military affairs. "I have never witnessed more inept management of the brave men and women who serve our country," Tillis stated. He accused Hegseth of prioritizing cultural issues over essential national defense and well-being of the troops.

The recent resignation of Dan Driscoll, which was long speculated before becoming official this week, has spotlighted the growing rift within the Pentagon. Reports suggest that Driscoll had multiple confrontations with Hegseth, particularly over the reluctance to modernize the Army and the controversial dismissal of several senior officers. Hegseth's focus has reportedly been more on implementing stringent grooming and fitness standards rather than addressing technological advancements and strategic leadership.

Tillis has been vocal about his concerns, stating that a more forward-thinking Secretary of War would strive to retain competent leaders like Driscoll and other high-ranking officers forced into retirement under Hegseth’s tenure. "Instead, he is creating a leadership void at the top of our military ranks," Tillis charged.

Responses from the White House and the Pentagon were not forthcoming regarding Tillis’ comments.

The ongoing feud between Tillis and Hegseth has been public and contentious since Trump appointed the former Fox News host as Pentagon chief in 2024. In a May interview with POLITICO, Tillis mentioned that Hegseth had misguided Trump about the dynamics of potential military actions in Iran, labeling the situation as part of a “Christmas wish list” for changes he hoped to see.

Moreover, in a forthcoming book, Tillis labels Hegseth and some other White House officials as “MAGATS,” accusing them of poor foresight and inadequate support for the president.

Trump's reaction in May to Tillis' outspokenness was sharp and dismissive. Writing on Truth Social, Trump branded Tillis as the opposite of brave, calling him a "QUITTER" and criticizing his actions as detrimental to the Republican Party.

As Tillis prepares to leave office, his parting salvos at Hegseth underscore a deeply divided opinion on the leadership and future direction of the U.S. military. The saga continues to unfold, reflecting broader tensions within the administration and Republican Party.