Top Trump Official is GONE After Refusing…b See more

Earlier this year, Hegseth also replaced Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George, ending his tenure roughly halfway through what is typically a four-year assignment.

The leadership changes continued late last year when Hegseth removed Adm. Alvin Holsey as commander of U.S. Southern Command, despite roughly two years remaining in his expected term.

Holsey had been overseeing operations that included drone strikes targeting suspected drug-smuggling vessels in waters near South America.

Shortly after taking office in February 2025, Hegseth also dismissed the top uniformed legal advisers for the Army, Air Force and Navy.

At the time, he said he did not believe they were “well-suited” to provide legal guidance on military orders.

The dismissals drew concern from some legal scholars and former military officials, who argued the changes could weaken the military’s traditional system of legal oversight and adherence to the laws of armed conflict as the Pentagon emphasized a more combat-focused “warrior ethos,” The Hill reported.

All said, however, Trump, as commander-in-chief, and Hegseth, as head of the War Dept., are entitled to service commanders who share their vision for the military. If those officers do not share a similar vision or have their own ideas about how things should be run, they shouldn’t remain in their positions, experts have noted.

But there is no indication that Widmar held a different vision for the military or that he was in disagreement with any of Trump’s policies and vision.

Caine, the principal military adviser to Trump and Hegseth, said in a statement to The Hill that Widmar “is a fantastic Officer and Lawyer” who served the entire U.S. and thanked him for his “remarkable” service.

“I’m personally deeply grateful for Eric and his Family’s service and deeply respect his decision to prioritize his family as he moves on to the next chapter,” Caine said.

“He is deeply respected and admired by all. … We will miss his legal counsel, incredible expertise and experience, and his understanding of our responsibility to always speak truth to power,” Caine added.