U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is overhauling military officer promotions based on ideological criteria, citing recruitment benefits that surveys do not support. As of September 19, 2026, approximately half of officers dismissed or blocked from advancement are women or Black service members.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faces internal dissent at the Pentagon for inept leadership, accused of prioritizing culture war issues and political ambitions over military priorities as the Iran war continues. Reports surfaced by September 7, 2026.
At least 20 senior military and civilian Defense Department leaders have been fired, forced out, or resigned since Pete Hegseth became defense secretary in 2026. The departures include members of the military's top leadership as of September 2–3, 2026.