Pentagon officer removals and testosterone testing plan draw bipartisan Senate pushback
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced bipartisan criticism from Congress over two separate decisions: his sweeping removal of senior military officers and a new testosterone screening policy for service members. During a Senate hearing disrupted by anti-war demonstrators, Republican Senator Susan Collins raised strong objections to Hegseth's dismissal of more than two dozen senior officers since taking office, calling it a troubling break from institutional norms, while Senate Democrats separately demanded a full justification and implementation details for the testosterone testing plan.
The criticism reflected wider unease in Congress, spanning both parties, over the scale and rationale of personnel changes made under Hegseth's leadership at the Pentagon. No further developments emerged after these initial challenges, with the dual controversies remaining points of congressional concern rather than prompting any announced policy reversal or additional Pentagon response.
- Collins criticised Hegseth over removal of 24+ senior military officers.
- Senate Democrats demanded justification for new testosterone testing policy.
- Bipartisan unease persists over Pentagon leadership and personnel decisions.
Coverage
- Daily Mail — Pete Hegseth’s face says it all as anti-war protesters interrupt Senate hearing
- The Hill — Collins slams Hegseth’s removal of senior military officers
- The Hill — Live updates: Hegseth, Caine testify in Senate; Trump says Iran hasn’t ‘seen anything yet’
- The Hill — Senate Democrats press Hegseth on testosterone plan details
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