Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has blocked the promotion of four Army officers to one-star general, including two Black officers and two women, from a list of about three dozen candidates. The highly unusual move has prompted senior military officials to question whether the officers are being singled out because of their race or gender.

Mr. Hegseth had been pressing Army leaders for months to remove the officers, but Army Secretary Daniel P. Driscoll repeatedly refused, citing their decades-long records of exemplary service. Earlier this month, Hegseth unilaterally struck their names from the list, though it's unclear if he has the legal authority to do so. The list is now under review by the White House before Senate approval.

The decision highlights the bitter rifts opened by Hegseth's campaign to reverse policies he says are prejudiced against white officers. Since taking office, Hegseth has fired or sidelined at least two dozen generals and admirals, including former Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr. and former Navy Chief Adm. Lisa Franchetti.