Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth under fire for Pentagon firings, promotion blocks and new policy board

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has drawn bipartisan criticism for a series of senior‑level Pentagon firings and for blocking the promotion of officers, many of whom are women or people of color. Rep. Don Bacon (R‑IA) told CNN that Hegseth “has fired about 20 admirals and generals” and that the actions are “harming the military.” Senators Tim Kaine and Thom Tillis have suggested the moves stem from a personal grudge against officers such as four‑star Gen. Chris Donahue, who recently retired after a year in command of U.S. forces in Europe and Africa.

Legal analyst Sabrina Haake argued that Hegseth lacks statutory authority to block promotions, noting that the law limits the Defense Secretary’s removal power to ranks below colonel. She warned that the motive may be to purge officers deemed “ideologically incompatible” with the administration’s agenda.

Amid the controversy, Hegseth announced a revamped Defense Policy Board on June 29, 2026, appointing former trade representative Robert Lighthizer as chair and former Sen. Norm Coleman as vice‑chair, alongside a slate of tech and security figures such as Marc Andreessen and retired Adm. Chas Richard. The appointments signal a shift toward a more overtly “America‑First” strategic posture.