Reed Demands Answers After Hegseth Allegedly Removes Officers From Promotion List in Possible Violation of Federal Law

WASHINGTON, DC-Today, after The New York Times reported that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth personally intervened to remove four Army officers from a promotion list, prompting questions of racial and gender bias and legal authority, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement:

"Two years ago this committee codified in law longstanding practice and tradition that accessions and promotions within the military services be based on "individual merit and demonstrated performance." If these reports are accurate, Secretary Hegseth's decision to remove four decorated officers from a promotion list after having been selected by their peers for their merit and performance is not only outrageous, it would be illegal. Denying the promotions of individual officers based on their race or gender would betray every principle of merit-based service military officers uphold throughout their careers.

"Sadly, this would not be surprising. These are currently allegations, but they fit a pattern when it comes to this Secretary. He has fired or sidelined dozens of generals and admirals without explanation, the majority of whom are women or persons of color. Today, every service chief and nearly every combatant commander is a white man.

"These officers have given decades of exemplary service to this nation. They deserve better, and so do the American people. I am looking into this matter to ensure that the law is followed."

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