Pete Hegseth Draws Criticism After Removing Female and Black Officers From Navy Promotion List

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly removed at least seven Navy officers from a recent promotion list, among them two women and two Black men, according to a New York Times report published Monday, June 2. Three white male officers were cut from the list as well.

The May promotion list drew sharp criticism over its racial and gender disparities.

Women represent about 21 percent of the active-duty Navy and people of color make up roughly 38 percent, yet the May list included no female officers and only two nonwhite officers, the Times reported.

Four current and former defense officials called the moves “highly unusual.”

The Wall Street Journal also reported on June 1 that Hegseth fired or blocked the promotions of at least two dozen admirals and generals.

Pentagon chief spokesman Sean Parnell pushed back hard on X, dismissing the story as “race-baiting garbage” peddled by “radical left reporters” at the “failing” New York Times.

“Military promotions are given to those who have earned them,” Parnell added.

“The Department will never consider the color of a service member’s skin or their gender as a factor in promotions. Under President Donald Trump and @SecWar Hegseth, meritocracy reigns supreme at the War Department.”

The latest report follows an April NBC News story that alleged Hegseth blocked or delayed promotions throughout the military.

According to nine U.S. officials cited by the outlet, concerns about race and gender, and their possible connections to the Biden administration, played a role.

“There is not a single service that has been immune to this level of involvement by Hegseth,” one official told NBC.

The Times had earlier reported in March that Hegseth blocked two women Army officers and two Black Army officers from advancing to one-star general.

Hegseth is yet to comment on the latest report.