Hung Cao, a retired Navy captain and special operations veteran, has led the Department of the Navy for four months as President Trump now seeks Senate confirmation.
Page A11From§Eachthe midnight edition — 2 September 2026
Hegseth removes 6 Army officers from promotion list as Trump taps ‘true warrior’ Navy secretary
The Army’s promotion list gets shorter by six as Hegseth cuts officers, and Trump taps a ‘true warrior’ for Navy secretary after four months of acting status. The reshuffles keep the military’s upper management moving, but the lower ranks stay in limbo, waiting for the next round of orders. The leadership changes make headlines, the rest get the memo, and the game of musical chairs continues. The ledger reads: top jobs filled, promotions delayed, rank-and-file left holding the paperwork. The stakes are the same as ever: the brass gets the spotlight, the rest get the waiting room.
“Six Army officers get cut from the promotion list, and Trump names a Navy secretary after four months of acting leadership. The military reshuffle keeps the top jobs moving, but leaves the lower ranks waiting for a call. The brass gets the headlines, the rest get the memo.”
“Leadership changes are routine and reflect the need for strong direction. Trump’s choice of a 'true warrior' is inspiring, and the removal of officers is about maintaining high standards. Did I say 'removal'? I meant, the process is fair and transparent—wait, did I say 'waiting'? Everyone gets their chance eventually.”
The receipts
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth spiked the names of at least six Army officers from a list for promotions to two-star generals, a person familiar with the matter, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told The Hill Tuesday. The removals come just days after the Pentagon chief blocked promotions of four Army officers selected to ascend to…
This page is a back-issue: the story as it ran, receipts as they were. The current edition is at the front.