Rep. Austin Scott (R-Ga.) warned Wednesday that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's recent removal of Gen. Randy George as Army chief of staff would create a "chilling effect" on military operations.

Speaking during a congressional hearing, Scott described George as "well respected, well liked by many of us" and questioned the decision to remove the general from his leadership position. The Georgia Republican expressed concerns about how such personnel changes might impact the functioning of the armed services.

The criticism comes as tensions appear to be mounting between Pentagon leadership and Congress over military affairs. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is scheduled to testify Thursday before a House Appropriations Committee panel regarding President Trump's fiscal 2027 budget request, which seeks $1.5 trillion in Pentagon funding.

Driscoll's Capitol Hill appearance occurs amid reported tensions between the Army secretary and Defense Secretary Hegseth. The budget hearing will provide lawmakers an opportunity to address both funding priorities and personnel decisions within the military leadership structure.

The removal of Gen. George represents a significant leadership change within the Army's top ranks, though the specific reasons for the decision have not been publicly detailed. Scott's comments reflect broader congressional concerns about how such changes might affect military readiness and operations.