Hegseth reportedly cuts two Black men and two women from military promotion list

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has reportedly removed four officers—two Black men and two women—from the military's promotion list to one-star general, according to the New York Times. The remaining promotion slate of about three dozen candidates is predominantly white men, though some women and Black officers remain on it. The move raises questions about the criteria Hegseth is using to evaluate promotions and whether diversity considerations are being deprioritized in the Pentagon's senior leadership selections. Promotions to general officer rank require Senate confirmation and are closely watched given their influence over military policy and culture.