Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has blocked the promotion of several senior Navy officers to the rank of one-star admiral, according to sources familiar with the decision, marking another unusual intervention in the military promotion process.
Get today's headlines by email 
The move follows Hegseth's earlier involvement in recent Army promotion decisions and highlights his growing influence over senior military appointments since taking office.
Officers Removed From Promotion List
The officers had already been selected for promotion by a board of senior Navy admirals before being removed from the final list. The Pentagon publicly released the promotion list on May 22.
According to sources, those removed included African American officers, women and white male officers. The reasons varied, but some were linked to participation in or association with military Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs.
Defense secretaries have the authority to alter promotion lists for cause, but such interventions are relatively uncommon, particularly when they involve multiple officers who have already been recommended by a promotion board.
Effort to Advance Senior Aide
Sources also said Hegseth sought to have one of his senior military aides included on the promotion list or otherwise promoted.
The officer, William Francis Jr.>, is a Navy SEAL captain serving as Hegseth's assistant. However, Francis was not considered by the promotion board because he did not meet certain eligibility requirements, including experience leading a major command, according to sources.
The promotion block and Hegseth's efforts regarding Francis were first reported by The New York Times.
Focus on DEI Policies
Hegseth has repeatedly argued that policies introduced under previous administrations contributed to what he describes as a "woke" military. Since becoming defense secretary, he has pledged to remove initiatives and programs that he believes place excessive emphasis on diversity and inclusion.
His criticism comes as minority groups account for a growing share of military personnel and as women continue to gain representation in senior leadership positions across the armed forces.
The latest promotion dispute is likely to draw further scrutiny of the Pentagon's personnel policies and the extent of political influence over military advancement decisions.
Join the discussion? 
Already a member? 
Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 3 June 2026
Recommended Comments
Create an account or sign in to comment