Admiral in Charge of U.S. Troops in Latin America Retires Early Amid Reports of Rifts With Defense Secretary Hegseth

Admiral Alvin Holsey, the head of U.S. Southern Command, retired Friday roughly two years earlier than expected, handing over authority as U.S. military operations in Latin America draw increased scrutiny and tensions with Venezuela intensify.

Holsey's departure follows weeks of internal friction, according to three U.S. officials and two people familiar with the matter, who told Reuters that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth pushed for the change. Two of them said Hegseth had grown frustrated with the command as he sought to expand military operations and planning in the region.

Discussions about removing Holsey surfaced before the Pentagon unexpectedly announced his retirement, as Reuters reports. He has not publicly provided a reason although some officials privately speculated he disagreed with recent U.S. strikes on suspected drug-smuggling vessels.

In a closed-door briefing this week Holsey reportedly told lawmakers the decision had "nothing to do" with operations in his command, as Politico reported on Tuesday.

Holsey transferred command Friday to his deputy, Air Force Lt. Gen. Evan Pettus, who will serve as acting leader of Southern Command. A source familiar with the matter said President Donald Trump is expected to nominate Lt. Gen. Frank Donovan of U.S. Special Operations Command as the permanent replacement, though the decision has not been finalized.

The transition comes amid a major shift in U.S. policy toward the region. A strategy document released last week referenced reviving the Monroe Doctrine, and the administration has deployed an aircraft carrier strike group and other assets to the Caribbean.

Trump has intensified pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, whom Washington accuses of drug trafficking—charges Maduro denies. He says the buildup aims to remove him from power and seize Venezuela's resources. On Wednesday, U.S. forces seized a Venezuelan oil tanker, the first interdiction of crude under sanctions imposed in 2019. Reuters reported Thursday that additional seizures are being prepared.

The administration's strikes on alleged drug boats—now more than 20—have drawn sharp legal scrutiny. A second strike on Sept. 2 killed survivors from an initial attack, raising questions about compliance with the Defense Department's Law of War Manual, which prohibits firing on incapacitated or shipwrecked combatants.

In farewell remarks Friday, Holsey did not address the operations or his retirement, instead urging his successor to remain focused on regional relationships. "To be a trusted partner, we must be credible, present and engaged," he said as quoted by WKMG.