Defense Secretary Hegseth's Promotion Interventions
Defense Secretary Hegseth has intervened in the promotion process for multiple officers, specifically targeting Black and female personnel.
March 2026
Hegseth reportedly attempts to block four officers' promotions
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is reportedly attempting to block four Army officers from a military promotion list. The officers include two women and two Black men, who were slated to become one-star generals.
Source ↗Hegseth strikes officers from promotion list
Defense Secretary Hegseth unilaterally removed the names of two Black and two female officers from a promotion list. This action was taken despite the list being under review by the White House.
Source ↗Hegseth strikes Black and female officers from promotion list
Defense Secretary Hegseth unilaterally removed the names of two Black and two female officers from a promotion list. The action was taken to break a stated logjam regarding promotions.
Source ↗Hegseth intervened to stop promotions of Black and female officers
Defense Secretary Hegseth intervened concerning military promotions. The intervention specifically targeted Black and female officers. This action was noted on March 28, 2026.
Source ↗April 2026
Hegseth blocked promotions for dozen officers
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly took actions to block or delay promotions for over a dozen senior officers. These targeted officers are described as Black and female across the four military branches.
Source ↗