Overview
- Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed McGee’s retirement and called CNN’s account of clashes over his departure “100% fake news.”
- Multiple outlets report McGee was effectively pushed out after months of friction with Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine over Russia‑Ukraine policy and Caribbean operations.
- McGee served as the Joint Staff’s director for strategy, plans, and policy, advising the chairman on long‑term strategy, risk assessments, and crisis planning.
- He had been nominated by President Joe Biden to be director of the Joint Staff but was not renominated by the current administration, contributing to a stalled promotion.
- His departure follows a series of senior turnovers this year, including SouthCom commander Adm. Alvin Holsey’s early retirement after reported disagreements over Caribbean strikes.