Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks at a briefing at the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., May 5, 2026.Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth prevented the advancement to one-star admiral of multiple high-ranking Navy officers who had previously been identified for promotion by a council of senior Navy admirals, according to three individuals with knowledge of the situation who spoke to ABC News.
The authority to interfere with promotion rosters for specific reasons rests with Secretaries of Defense, yet it is uncommon to witness Hegseth now stepping into the most recent promotions to the one-star rank for both the Army and the Navy.
Among the Navy personnel excluded from the Navy’s promotion roster were individuals of African American, female, and white male backgrounds, who were reportedly removed due to their involvement or engagement with military Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, as indicated by sources.
The official roster for promotions was disseminated by the Pentagon on May 22.
In a separate development, Hegseth also reportedly made attempts to ensure one of his senior military advisors was placed on the promotion list or received a promotion, sources indicated. However, Capt. William Francis Jr., a Navy SEAL serving as Hegseth’s aide, was unable to be considered by the promotion panel as he did not fulfill certain prerequisites, such as leading a significant command, according to sources.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks at a briefing at the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., May 5, 2026.Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
The New York Times was the first publication to report on Hegseth’s decision to halt the promotions and his endeavor to elevate Capt. Francis.
Hegseth’s tenure as defense secretary has been characterized by his stated aim to dismantle policies he has described as fostering a “woke” military under preceding administrations.
His criticism of the military’s prevailing culture emerges at a time when minority groups constitute an increasing proportion of personnel and women have begun to increase their presence in senior positions.
Nevertheless, Hegseth’s series of unelaborated dismissals and promotion obstructions have significantly hampered these advancements for women.
Sean Parnell, the Pentagon’s chief spokesperson, stated in a communication to ABC News, "As previously communicated, military promotions are granted to individuals who have rightfully earned them. The Department will never take into account a service member’s racial background or gender as a basis for promotions. Under President Trump and Secretary Hegseth, meritocracy is paramount within the War Department."
Since Hegseth assumed the role of defense secretary, 19 senior generals or flag officers have been dismissed or sidelined, with a number of them being women or members of minority groups.
Hegseth’s interference with the Navy promotion roster mirrors his intervention with the Army’s promotion roster for brigadier generals, where four colonels were removed from consideration. These four colonels comprised two African Americans and two women.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com