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The United States is in the middle of a major war, but that didn’t stop Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth from firing General Randy George, America’s most senior Army officer, along with another four-star general, David Hodne, and Major General William Green Jr., the top Army chaplain, in what has been a rolling purge by Hegseth of senior officers—particularly those close to the secretary of the Army, Dan Driscoll. Why were these men fired while U.S. forces are fighting overseas? The Defense Department has given no official reason for their dismissals, but Hegseth’s grievances with the Army, which he feels was unfair to him, appear to be the driving force. Hegseth began his tenure by targeting what he sees as a Pentagon infested with DEI hires, pushing for the removal of the then–chairman of the Joint Chiefs, C. Q. Brown, and firing a raft of female military leaders, replacing them with men. Dumping the Army chief of staff in the middle of a war, without explanation, is a reckless move even by Hegseth’s standards. George is a decorated combat veteran who was slated to stay in his job until 2027 and has never publicly feuded with Hegseth. Trump and Hegseth have politicized the U.S. military, aiming to turn it into an extension of the MAGA movement. Hegseth regularly promotes Trump and his right-wing evangelical beliefs from the Pentagon podium. He has intervened in Army promotions, culling four colonels—two Black men and two women—from the advancement list to brigadier general. NBC reports Hegseth has also canceled promotions of at least a dozen minority and female officers across multiple services. When two Army helicopters buzzed a political rally and flew to MAGA favorite Kid Rock’s house, Hegseth squashed an investigation into their actions. George and other senior military leaders have maintained discipline, but Trump’s behavior at Fort Bragg set a tone that violated civil-military norms. The American people deserve answers about this unprecedented purge of senior military ranks, as these officers have long, distinguished service records and have not been charged with wrongdoing. Hegseth’s dismissals stem from his long-running grievances, battles over personnel, and troubled relationship with Driscoll. Hegseth’s focus on culture-war issues over substantive defense and security has been criticized, with Driscoll reportedly rumored to be next in line for dismissal. The war in Iran escalates beyond American control, affecting Trump’s popularity and the global economy. America’s biggest conflict in decades involves thousands of troops in a vast region, and the president’s lack of formal war speech raises concerns. Hegseth’s lack of accountability and public willingness to explain himself is concerning. Maybe senior officers like George can now address the public about Hegseth’s Pentagon operations.