Republican senators block Pentagon chief's choice for Army chief of staff

Pentagon Secretary Pete Hegseth is attempting to elevate Acting Army Chief of Staff Gen. Christopher LaNeve to the permanent position, but Republican senators are stalling the process. After Hegseth dismissed retired Gen. Randy George in April, LaNeve, a six-month-old four-star, became the acting chief. Chairman Roger Wicker warned that LaNeve would need the votes of all 14 Republican members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, which currently opposes him.

Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst and other GOP senators have raised concerns about LaNeve's qualifications, citing his short time at the four-star rank. The Defense Department and Hegseth maintain that LaNeve's leadership is solid and will continue to coordinate with the White House and Senate to secure confirmation. Neither Ernst nor Wicker provided comments, and LaNeve declined to speak through a spokesperson.