Hegseth Strikes at Least Six of 18 Army Officers From the Two-Star Promotion List Approved by Their Peers

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in recent weeks removed the names of at least six Army officers from a list of 18 who had been approved for promotion to two-star general by a board of senior Army leaders, NBC News reported Sept. 1, 2026, citing three U.S. officials. The New York Times, summarized by Just Security the next day, put the number at seven and said Hegseth has now fired or blocked the promotions of more than 80 generals and admirals. The removals came days after Army Secretary Dan Driscoll resigned.

Officer promotions ordinarily turn on peer selection boards, and civilian reversals without stated reasons weaken that process and give the Secretary direct leverage over who advances. Officials cited by the Times said the pattern is dividing the Pentagon and straining relations with Congress.

The Pentagon has not published a rationale for the removals. Reporting on the exact number and the officers' identities differs between outlets, and no formal review of the decisions has been announced.