Pentagon Responds to Allegations

The Department of War (DOW) has refuted claims from Sen. Mark Kelly regarding alleged discriminatory practices by War Secretary Pete Hegseth. Kelly accused Hegseth of targeting women and Black military officers based on their identities in an interview on ‘Next Question with Katie Couric.’

In response to these allegations, the department pointed to statements from Pentagon spokesmen asserting that promotions within the military are merit-based and not influenced by race or gender. Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell emphasized, ‘Military promotions are given to those who have earned them. The Department will never consider the color of a service member’s skin or their gender as a factor in promotions.’

President Trump and Secretary Hegseth have been vocal supporters of meritocracy within the department. ‘Under President Trump and Secretary Hegseth, meritocracy reigns supreme at the War Department,’ said Parnell.

Kelly previously accused Hegseth of removing officers such as former Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. CQ Brown based on their race. He highlighted the removal of Adm. Lisa Franchetti as chief of naval operations, suggesting that Hegseth blocked promotions due to race or gender and potentially cost the military experienced leaders. ‘We’re losing a generation of leaders because some may feel they lack opportunity here and opt to leave,’ Kelly warned.

Pentagon press secretary Joel Valdez dismissed Kelly’s allegations, stating, ‘Here’s the bottom line: Anyone who has an issue with merit-based promotions should reconsider their values.’ Valdez condemned promotions based solely on race and gender as wrong.

President Trump replaced Gen. Brown in February 2025 with retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Dan ‘Razin’ Caine. Hegseth also sought new nominees for other key positions during a leadership shake-up. Public speculation on the removals was countered by Pentagon officials who disputed claims that women and minority officers were singled out.

Hegseth has maintained the importance of performance-based promotions, describing identity-based advancement as poor leadership during a speech at Marine Corps Base Quantico.

Michael Lee contributed to this report. CJ Womack, who joined Fox News Digital in 2026, provided editorial insight in the report. Womack has been covering politics and culture and can be reached for news tips at [email protected].