PENTAGON IN CHAOS: Hegseth Just FIRED Top Army Spokesperson!

A quiet upheaval is rocking the Pentagon. Pete Hegseth, the nation’s defense chief, has issued a direct order to Army Secretary Dan Driscoll: remove Colonel Dave Butler from his position as chief of Army public affairs and advisor to Driscoll, even as the Secretary participates in critical negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.

Butler’s career is one of consistent distinction. He previously led public affairs for the Joint Chiefs under General Mark Milley and was poised for promotion to brigadier general – a first star – appearing on the Army’s selection list for two consecutive years. That promotion, however, has been stalled for nearly four months.

The hold-up isn’t about Butler’s qualifications, but a broader dispute. Hegseth reportedly has concerns regarding a small group of officers selected for promotion by the Army board, though legal constraints prevent him from directly removing them from the list. In a remarkable act of selflessness, Butler reportedly offered to withdraw his own name to unlock the stalled promotions of his colleagues.

Driscoll, a veteran and close ally of the Vice President, initially resisted Hegseth’s pressure, recognizing Butler’s ongoing value in the Army’s ongoing transformation. He publicly praised Butler’s “lifetime of service” and acknowledged his “integral part” in modernizing the Army, wishing him success in his upcoming retirement after 28 years.

Butler’s recent contributions extended to sensitive diplomatic efforts. He accompanied Driscoll to Ukraine in November, playing a key role in initiating peace negotiations. The timing of Hegseth’s demand, delivered just days ago, adds another layer of complexity to the situation.

This isn’t an isolated incident. Since assuming his role in 2025, Hegseth has overseen a wave of unexplained dismissals and forced retirements of high-ranking officers. Among those removed were the chief of naval operations, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and multiple vice chiefs and directors across the Army, Air Force, and National Security Agency.

The atmosphere within the Pentagon is now thick with fear and uncertainty. Senior military leaders are reportedly hesitant to voice concerns, creating a climate of stifled communication. The abrupt changes have left many questioning the rationale behind these decisions.

Colonel Butler’s expertise extends far beyond traditional public affairs. From 2010 to 2014, he served with elite special operations units, including the Army’s Delta Force, on numerous overseas missions. He later became the public affairs officer for Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) at Fort Bragg.

His skills were highly sought after. General Scott Miller requested Butler’s presence in Afghanistan from 2018 to 2019, where Butler served as the chief spokesman and director of communications for all U.S. and NATO forces under Miller’s command. He was the voice of the coalition during a critical period in the conflict.

Those who have worked alongside Butler speak of his exceptional professionalism and strategic communication abilities. A former four-star commander who led U.S. Special Operations described him as “the most competent Public Affairs officer I have ever worked with and a gifted practitioner of strategic communications.”

Even President Trump publicly acknowledged Butler’s contributions, recognizing him by name during the Army’s 250th birthday celebrations for his role in organizing the Washington, D.C. parade. The circumstances surrounding his impending removal stand in stark contrast to this past recognition.