At least 15 defense officials have resigned or been pushed out of their positions due to disagreements over politics, policies, and personalities. The ousting of U.S. Navy Secretary John Phelan and Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George has fueled speculation about who will be next fired. Relations between Phelans and Hegseth reportedly deteriorated due to their direct line to President Trump. The Pentagon has not specified any specific reason for these decisions. The infighting is also noted as tensions rise amid the Iran war.