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Pentagon Halts Seven Navy Promotions, All Women, Minorities Removed

6/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth halted promotion of seven Navy officers, producing a 22-nominee list with no women and two non-white officers.
Defense officials said removals, which eliminated every woman and minority officers from the admiral slate, broke Pentagon rules allowing cuts only for fitness concerns.
Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) said 60 % of the dismissed officers are female or Black, while Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell denied role of race or gender.

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Story summary

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth halted promotion of seven Navy officers, producing a 22-nominee list with no women and two non-white officers.
Defense officials said removals, which eliminated every woman and minority officers from the admiral slate, broke Pentagon rules allowing cuts only for fitness concerns.
Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) said 60 % of the dismissed officers are female or Black, while Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell denied role of race or gender.