Pete Hegseth removes all women and some Black service members from navy promotion list US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly removed nine Navy officers, including women and Black service members, from a promotion list, resulting in an all-male, overwhelmingly white group of nominees for one-star admirals. This intervention allegedly violated merit-based promotion rules and aligns with the Trump administration’s efforts to reduce diversity in the military. The Pentagon disputes these claims, stating promotions are based on merit, not race or gender, while critics point to a pattern of similar actions and past statements by Hegseth against diversity initiatives.

• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly removed nine officers from a Navy promotion list, including women and Black service members.
• The revised list resulted in 22 nominees for one-star admiral, described as all-male and overwhelmingly white.
• This action is seen as extending the Trump administration’s push to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the military.
• A Navy source stated officials were confident in the original list, and Hegseth provided no explanation for the removals.
• The Pentagon denied that race or gender were factors, asserting that promotions are based on merit.
• Hegseth has previously expressed opposition to diversity and ‘woke’ initiatives in the armed services.
• The intervention is considered unusual, as it involves Hegseth meddling on an individual basis rather than an up-or-down vote.
• The article notes parallels with a similar alleged intervention in an Army promotion list in March.
• Hegseth has previously blocked promotions or reassigned senior military officers, many of whom were women or Black.