Washington, D.C., April 4, 2026 US Defense Minister Pete Hegseth is reportedly pushing to dismiss the highest-ranking general in the US Army over concerns about potential rivals, according to multiple sources. Hegseth's actions have already led to the removal of two other generals, David Hodne and William Green, in what appears to be a broader pattern of distrust. General Randy George, chief of staff and primary military advisor to Army Minister Dan Driscoll, was also unexpectedly asked to resign. George had previously criticized Hegseth for blocking promotions of Black and female officers, as reported by NBC News. Dan Driscoll, a close ally of Vice President JD Vance, is seen as a potential successor to Hegseth. The White House has reportedly warned Hegseth that he cannot fire Driscoll for now. Hegseth's suspicions may stem from former President Donald Trump's public praise of Driscoll last year. An insider attributed Hegseth's behavior to growing insecurity, stating: *"Das Ganze wird von der Unsicherheit und Paranoia getrieben, die Pete seit ‚Signalgate‘ entwickelt hat"* ("The whole thing is driven by the insecurity and paranoia Pete has developed since 'Signalgate'"). The "Signalgate" incident in March 2025 appears to have heightened tensions within the military leadership. The dismissals and internal conflicts highlight deepening divisions within the Pentagon as Hegseth consolidates power while facing resistance from senior officers.