Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s selection to run the US Army may be imperiled by lawmakers concerned about the General’s qualifications.
Four-star General Christopher LaNeve, who currently serves as Vice Chief of Staff for the US Army, is Hegseth’s preferred candidate to become the Army Chief of Staff.
The Secretary of War fired former Army Chief of Staff General Randy George earlier this year, a move that upset some lawmakers and Pentagon insiders.
But LaNeve lacks the support necessary to be confirmed by the Senate Armed Services Committee, the Wall Street Journal reports.
The committee appeared set in May to push forward with a hearing on LaNeve’s confirmation until its Chairman, Republican Senator Roger Wicker of Mississippi, communicated that he didn’t have the GOP votes needed to install the four-star successfully, sources told the outlet.
Republicans hold a 14 to 13 majority on the panel, but any nomination would need unanimous consent from all the conservative Senators before moving to a full committee vote and subsequent Senate floor vote.
Hegseth and the administration have yet to formally nominate LaNeve for the role.
LaNeve also has earned the affection of the commander-in-chief, who reportedly has noted how the four-star General looks like he’s out of ‘central casting,’ one of the President’s favorite compliments.
Vice Chief of Staff of the Army and acting Chief of Staff of the Army General Christopher LaNeve (far left) reportedly does not have enough GOP support to be confirmed by the Senate
LaNeve has been supported by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, but some lawmakers have reportedly expressed concerns about the General’s expirience, or lack thereof
LaNeve also has earned the affection of the commander-in-chief, who reportedly has noted how the four-star General looks like he’s out of ‘central casting,’ one of the President’s favorite compliments
Some of the hesitation from GOP Senators on the panel sprouted from concerns that LaNeve has not been a four-star long enough to hold the role.
Typically, chiefs of staff for US military forces serve as four-stars for at least 18 months before receiving nominations.
Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa is among the GOP Senators who are reportedly concerned about LaNeve’s qualifications.
During Hegseth’s Senate confirmation vetting process in early 2025, Ernst was one of the last holdouts to support the former Fox News host for the Secretary of War role.
At the time, she had problems with Hegseth’s remarks about women in the military, and about his checkered past with women, given he was facing allegations of sexual misconduct at the time.
‘The Department of War and Secretary Hegseth stand behind GEN LaNeve’s leadership as Acting Chief of Staff of the Army,’ Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell said in a statement.
‘The Department will continue to work with the White House and the Senate to nominate and ultimately confirm President Trump’s pick to lead the United States Army.’
LaNeve has been serving as acting Chief of Staff for the Army, in addition to his role as vice chief, since George was fired without explanation in May.
Still, LaNeve would need Senate confirmation to become the full-time Chief of Staff, though there is no time limit on how long he can serve in the acting role. He was already confirmed by the Senate for his position as Vice Chief.
