Trump fire Hegseth: Tillis demands immediate dismissal amid Pentagon turmoil

Trump fire Hegseth

Sen. Thom Tillis (R‑NC) blasted Defense Secretary Mike Hegseth as “inept” in a sharply worded letter to President Donald Trump, demanding his immediate removal. Tillis argues the Pentagon’s handling of the escalating conflict with Iran reveals ↓ 5% readiness across key combat units, a shortfall the senator says threatens national security.

“The Department of Defense is failing to provide the decisive leadership our troops need,” Tillis warned, citing recent Reuters reports.

The call comes as Washington grapples with the fallout from the pandemic‑era budget squeeze and a surge in regional tensions. Critics note that defense spending rose ↑ 3% this fiscal year, yet operational gaps persist.

Analysts at Bloomberg suggest that a leadership shake‑up could either restore confidence or further destabilize an already strained chain of command.

Reported by: Zara Blackwood

Rapid Response Intelligence Analyst