1. United States
2. Wash.
3. Letter

I am a merchant mariner and Naval reservist, and I’m furious that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth blocked promotions for nine Navy officers. These distinguished personnel were set to become one-star admirals after being selected by a board of senior Navy admirals, including three women and two black men. The Pentagon has not explained the decision, and the new one-star list includes only two non-white officers and no female officers. This is an outrage. Hegseth is blocking qualified officers’ promotions due to their race and gender. It is disqualifying. Every single member of Congress should call for him to step down over it. The Trump administration apparently does affirmative action—they just favor it for white men. It’s not OK. Diversity is our strength, not our weakness. Speaking of weak, Pete Hegseth has to go. Now. He's unqualified, and leading our nation to disaster along with President Trump. Their undeclared war is not only wasting billions of taxpayers' dollars, it's also risking the lives of American service members. I am at risk of forced mobilization for this illegal conflict, and I do not appreciate the opportunity to hazard my life and sacred honor for their pocketbooks and pride. Please stand up to the administration about this utter disgrace. Thanks.