Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has fired or blocked promotions for over 80 generals and admirals, roughly 10 percent of top military officers. The latest move targeted seven Army officers selected for two-star rank. Army Secretary Daniel P. Driscoll resigned after clashing with Hegseth over the dismissals, warning they harm morale and the promotion system's fairness.

Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD) expressed disappointment, citing rumors of frustration over fired generals. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell defended the actions as standard, but critics like Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) call them "illegal." More than half of affected officers are Black or female, raising concerns about diversity.

Hegseth frames the purge as clearing "debris" to empower leaders, but officials say it reflects ideological alignment rather than performance. The firings have created a leadership vacuum and deepened divisions within the Pentagon and Congress.