Key facts
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has reportedly blocked or delayed promotions for over a dozen senior military officers.
- Concerns exist that these actions may be based on race, gender, or perceived alignment with Biden administration policies.
- Hegseth has previously criticized DEI initiatives and declared an end to "woke" culture in the military.
- The Pentagon has denied the allegations, asserting that promotions are merit-based and apolitical.
- Reasons cited for blocking promotions include support for COVID-19 mandates and associations with certain former officials.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has reportedly blocked or delayed promotions for more than a dozen senior military officers across all branches, sparking concerns among officials within the military and the White House. Some sources suggest these interventions may be targeting officers based on their race, gender, or perceived affiliation with Biden administration policies and officials, particularly DEI initiatives.
Hegseth, who has publicly criticized "woke" culture and DEI programs, has allegedly refused to meet with Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George to discuss these promotion blocks. Reports indicate that reasons cited for these actions include past support for COVID-19 vaccine mandates or mask mandates, or associations with DEI programs. Additionally, connections to former Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Mark Milley, viewed as a political adversary by President Donald Trump, may also lead to increased scrutiny.
These moves represent a continuation of Hegseth's efforts to reshape the military's leadership, following earlier actions such as firing Adm. Lisa Franchetti and recommending the removal of Gen. Charles “CQ” Brown. The Pentagon, through Chief Spokesman Sean Parnell, has denied these allegations, asserting that promotions are strictly merit-based and apolitical, and that the reporting is "fake news." Parnell reiterated that the color of a service member's skin or their gender are not factors in promotions, echoing sentiments often expressed by President Trump.