A wave of chaos has hit the Pentagon, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth under fire for reversing course on the promotion of a highly respected Army general, prompting an extraordinary intervention by one of President Donald Trump’s favorite military leaders.
The controversy centers on Lt. Gen. Douglas Sims, a decorated 34-year Army veteran with five tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and a Distinguished Service Medal to his name. Sims was on track for promotion to a four-star general, a move insiders described as all but certain until Hegseth abruptly derailed it.
According to The New York Times, Hegseth initially approved Sims’ promotion but later backtracked, first accusing Sims of leaking information to the press, allegations that were investigated and found to be baseless.
“He’s the type of person you would want your kids serving under, extremely dedicated, selfless, and loyal,” said Brynt Parmeter, former chief talent management officer at the Pentagon, in praise of Sims.
Though cleared of any wrongdoing, Sims faced yet another obstacle when Hegseth again withdrew support, this time claiming the general was too closely aligned with Gen. Mark Milley, a former Joint Chiefs chairman and vocal Trump critic. Trump has previously called Milley a “total fascist” and even suggested he should face execution.
The decision triggered what The Times described as a “rare intervention” by Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Dan “Razin” Caine, a staunch Trump ally, who urged Hegseth to reconsider. Despite agreeing to meet with Sims again, Hegseth held his ground, and Sims is now expected to retire as one of only two generals in the past 21 years at his rank not to be promoted.
The Pentagon declined to comment directly on the reversal, instead offering a statement from spokesman Sean Parnell, who thanked Sims for “his decades of service in the United States Army.”
Hegseth’s leadership has faced mounting criticism, with reports of infighting among his aides, a climate of paranoia over leaks, and staffing challenges. Still, Trump remains loyal. A White House spokesperson told The Times that Hegseth retains the president’s “full confidence.”