Power Grab/Fire anyone who can stop him
Hegseth strikes at least 6 Army officers from a two-star promotion list approved by a board of their peers
NBC News reported on September 1, 2026 that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth removed at least 6 of 18 approved officers; The New York Times put the number at 7.
What happened
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth removed at least 6 of 18 Army officers whom a peer board had approved for promotion to two-star general, NBC News reported on September 1, 2026. It cited 3 U.S. officials. The Hill confirmed it through a separate source. The New York Times put the number at 7, including 2 women and 2 Black officers.
Days earlier, Hegseth had blocked 4 one-star promotions, some linked to ousted Army chief Gen. Randy George. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll resigned on August 31 after months of conflict with Hegseth. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said recommendations “have always been recommendations, never mandates.” A Times tally counted more than 80 generals and admirals fired or blocked.
Who benefited
Hegseth chooses who becomes a two-star general, whatever a board of their peers recommended. He removed at least 6 of 18 names from the list and blocked 4 one-star promotions days before. The Pentagon says board recommendations were never mandates, and his authority over them is unchallenged in the record.
Who wanted something
Hegseth wanted control over which officers advance, including those linked to ousted Army chief Gen. Randy George. Some of the blocked one-star promotions had that link. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll resigned August 31 after months of conflict with him.
Who lost out
At least 6 Army officers lost promotions to two-star general that a board of their peers had approved. The Times counted 7, including 2 women and 2 Black officers. Four one-star officers were blocked days earlier. A Times tally counted more than 80 generals and admirals fired or blocked.
Why it matters
Promotion boards now approve names that the secretary can strike, and he did so for at least 6 of 18. More than 80 generals and admirals have been fired or blocked, by the Times’ count. The Army secretary resigned a day before the list change was reported.