Reports indicate that this female Navy captain was poised to make history as the first woman to lead the Navy SEALs under the Naval Special Warfare Command in July. However, merely two weeks before her scheduled promotion, following a series of calls from the Pentagon, her promotion was unexpectedly cancelled without any provided reasons. Insiders suggest to CNN that Hegseth was behind the cancellation, as he opposed a woman taking up this role.

Before her selection was rescinded, she had topped her class in terms of promotion eligibility and had earned a Purple Heart for her service in Iraq. She also holds the distinction of being the first female troop commander with SEAL Team Six. A retired SEAL expressed to CNN, “She was the ideal candidate for this position; not only is she tough, but she’s also incredibly intelligent and capable.”

However, it seems that such a qualified and formidable woman does not fit into the vision Hegseth has for the military—or the electorate. “The old guard wants to maintain the status quo and sees her as a threat,” another source familiar with the situation told the outlet. The Department of Defense has been contacted for comment and further updates will be provided as received.

Since assuming the role of Secretary of Defense, Hegseth has been criticized for creating an unwelcoming environment for women and minorities in the military. Shortly after his appointment, he dismissed several high-ranking officials, disproportionately affecting Black individuals and women. He also disbanded a committee aimed at encouraging women to join the military and hinted that women might find the military’s physical requirements challenging.

Multiple sources have spoken to CNN about an increasing trend where female officers are overlooked for promotions they rightfully deserve, leading some to consider exiting the military.

“The current climate is very concerning for women in uniform,” stated Patti Tutalo, a retired Coast Guard commander who previously served on the committee for women’s recruitment. “I foresee problems with retention of female personnel, and expect to see rises in assaults, harassment, and bullying, with little accountability for such actions,” she added.

“It infuriates me because we are talking about someone highly capable, who has accomplished remarkable feats, yet is being penalized because of— and it’s unfortunate to say—weak men,” a special operations insider revealed to the news outlet.

As of 2023, women constitute about 21% of the active-duty military forces and have been participating in combat roles since the Obama era. Just two years ago, there were four female four-star generals, the highest possible rank in the Army. Currently, there are none.

In less than a year, Hegseth’s tenure has been marked by significant controversies, constitutional breaches, leaking of confidential information, and fostering a military environment that is scrutinized both domestically and internationally.