Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth vows to shutter DEI at DOD

The Department of Defense (DoD) has officially announced the disbandment of all diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in compliance with President Donald Trump’s executive order terminating all federal DEI initiatives. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made the announcement in a post on X, stating that the Pentagon will immediately cease all DEI activities without exceptions, name changes, or delays. Hegseth also warned that those who do not comply with the order will no longer work at the Department of Defense.

This decision follows the President’s directive to shut down all DEI offices across the federal government, including the Pentagon, and place employees on paid leave. The move is part of a broader effort to eliminate discrimination based on race, gender, or other factors and prioritize equality of opportunity for all Americans. Senator John Kennedy expressed support for the decision, stating that the best way to prevent discrimination is to stop discriminating on the basis of race or gender.

Secretary Hegseth, a former Minnesota National Guard officer and Fox News host, was recently confirmed to lead the Pentagon after a period of political turmoil. In his inauguration speech, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and emphasized his commitment to following the President’s orders.

In addition to shutting down DEI programs, Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, reported the cancellation of approximately $420 million in contracts related to DEI initiatives. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) also issued a memo directing all federal agencies to inform employees of the DEI shutdown, remove DEI-related websites and social media accounts, and report any attempts to disguise DEI programs.

The President’s executive order also includes measures to recognize only two genders, male and female, and to end discrimination in the workplace and higher education based on race- and sex-based preferences. Trump emphasized the importance of enforcing civil rights laws and protecting Americans from discriminatory practices in various sectors of society.

Prior to the Pentagon’s decision, the FBI had already closed its DEI office in December, signaling a broader trend towards dismantling DEI programs across the federal government. The move has sparked mixed reactions, with some praising the decision as a step towards equality and others expressing concerns about the potential impact on diversity and inclusion efforts.

As the Department of Defense implements these changes, it remains to be seen how the elimination of DEI programs will affect the organization and its workforce. The decision reflects a broader shift in federal policy towards prioritizing merit, aptitude, and individual determination in hiring and service delivery, while also raising questions about the future of diversity and inclusion initiatives in government agencies.