Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth Blocks Army Promotions Amid Resignations

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth removed at least six Army officers from a two-star general promotion list, continuing a pattern of interventions that included blocking two separate groups of four one-star candidates earlier this year. Reports indicate that among the most recent removals, two officers are Black and two are female. Democratic Senators Cory Booker and Brian Schatz allege Hegseth is using personal views on race and gender to bypass the military's merit-based vetting process.

The promotion blocks contributed to a breakdown in leadership at the Pentagon, leading to the resignation of Army Secretary Dan Driscoll. Driscoll reportedly clashed with Hegseth over the secretary's reluctance to modernize the Army and his dismissal of senior officers. Senator Thom Tillis renewed calls for President Donald Trump to fire Hegseth, accusing him of prioritizing culture wars over national defense and creating a leadership void.

President Trump has previously defended his appointee and criticized Tillis on Truth Social, calling the senator a quitter. Hegseth has focused much of his tenure on cultural issues, including grooming and fitness standards, while critics argue these priorities undermine the health and well-being of the fighting force.