Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleBruce GoldingTuesday 02 June 2026 12:00 BSTRelated: Pete Hegseth tries to pump up troops about Iran war in Singapore speechDefense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly blocked the promotions of at least seven Navy captains to one-star admirals, targeting women and Black men, as part of his campaign against 'woke' beliefs in the military.Reports indicate that Hegseth's actions, which also included attempts to prevent existing admirals from advancing, may violate the U.S. military's apolitical and merit-based promotion rules.These moves follow Hegseth's recent speech at West Point, where he criticized previous leaders as 'woke and weak' and stated, 'Diversity is not our strength. Unity is our strength.'The Pentagon, through spokesman Sean Parnell, defended the promotion process, stating it is based on merit and does not consider race or gender, while criticizing The New York Times' reporting.Since his confirmation as Trump’s defense secretary, Hegseth has reportedly blocked or fired at least two dozen admirals and generals, including firing Adm. Lisa Franchetti and recommending Gen. Charles “CQ” Brown be fired for focusing on diversity.In fullPete Hegseth blocks promotions of Black and women military officers in latest anti-DEI pushThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in