Retired U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul E. Vallely is not surprised by the sudden resignation of Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, who he said was actually fired.
"[There's] been building tension and frustration between the White House, the national security team, [Senior Adviser] Valerie Jarrett, [National Security Adviser] Susan Rice and the president with the Pentagon, Hagel, as well as the Joint Chiefs of Staff," Vallely said Monday on "The Steve Malzberg Show" on
Newsmax TV.
Story continues below video
Note: Watch Newsmax TV now on DIRECTV Ch. 349 and DISH Ch. 223
Get Newsmax TV on your cable system – Click Here Now
"He did not resign. He was fired from the inside word that I'm getting and basically was asked to step down."
Hagel announced Monday he was quitting the nation's top defense position. Separately, Obama said he and Hagel had determined it was an "appropriate time for him to complete his service."
Vallely believes Hagel did not like the way the fight against the Islamic State (ISIS) was proceeding at the expense of other Middle East problems.
"Basically the overall Middle East policy with ISIS [is] headlining that whole situation over there," he said.
"But you've got Iran, you've got Syria, Assad. Who do you support? How much do you put on the ground? What kind of assets do you have over there fighting ISIS?
"Also, the purging in the military and downsizing in the military. A lot of the generals and admirals were finally standing up to some degree … but when you challenge the White House and Obama and you're not one of his guys and you don't react positively to Susan Rice … and Valerie Jarrett, its goodbye."
Asked by Steve Malzberg about who should replace Hagel, Vallely said: "I would like to see somebody with a military background and a strategy to deal with the enemies and the threats that we have.
"We need somebody who really understands strategy and vision for America in the future. I'd like to see Adm. Ace Lyons put in charge … or Gen. Tom McInerney, or somebody that has that strategic view and really understands the situation.
"I know there's not big support for a retired military guy to go in, but we need somebody with some strong background and [who] understands the Middle East, ISIS and what's happening with Iran, Syria and Turkey. You have to have that global vision."
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.