Secretary of War Pete Hegseth is facing criticism after blocking the promotion of several senior military officers, including at least two women and two Black men, from the consideration for one-star general and admiral positions.
According to reports, Army Secretary Daniel P. Driscoll supported the officers’ promotions and cited their decades of exemplary service. Nevertheless, the officers were removed from the promotion list, leaving a slate disproportionately composed of white men.
This is one of many attacks on women and people of color by President Trump, Hegseth, and the newly named “Department of War.” In just this year, Hegseth has removed a dozen women and Black military officers from promotion considerations across multiple branches.
Members of the Congressional Black Caucus argue that these actions are rooted in Hegseth’s desire to erase Black and women’s leadership and history. Similarly, the Democratic Women’s Caucus publicly reprimands Hegseth for his behavior, calling for the restoration of programs that support women in combat roles.
The controversy has been intensified by Hegseth’s long-standing public statements about women in military service. Described by the public and fellow officers as “unprecedented,” these removals have confused and led many to believe that the lack of clear reasoning may point to discriminatory actions rooted in racism and misogyny, fitting into a larger pattern under the current administration.
Women and minorities currently account for less than 20 percent of all generals and admirals in the U.S. military. However, women’s presence in the military has continued to grow over time. According to the VA, women made up only 4% of the veteran population in 2000, but are projected to make up 18% by 2040.
Furthermore, research shows that diverse leadership, including women’s leadership, can strengthen national security by contributing to more stable outcomes, more consensus-based decision-making, and the broader advancement of women’s status in society. Women also bring important perspectives to critical and creative thinking within national security, which is why diversity is so important in military units where women and other minorities remain underrepresented.
Hegseth has repeatedly challenged those assumptions. He has called the military’s long-standing phrase “diversity is our strength” the “dumbest phrase in military history” and argued that diversity is what “gets people killed.” He believes that unity is actually strength. During his term in leadership, his actions have focused on removing “arbitrary quotas” and focusing on “unity.”
For Hegseth, the removal of officers with decades-long records of excellence may be a step toward the “unified” American military he wants to lead. However, when qualified leaders are overlooked without a clear explanation, the military risks losing the experience and leadership required to remain strong.