Hegseth quips ‘99.9’ percent of DEI initiatives are gone from the military
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth made a bold statement during a recent Cabinet meeting, suggesting that the Trump administration has successfully eliminated “99.9%” of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives (DEI) within the military. President Donald Trump even inquired whether the military had eradicated 100% of DEI efforts under Hegseth’s leadership, showcasing the administration’s commitment to purging such policies.
The Trump administration has implemented various initiatives aimed at scaling back DEI efforts in the military, including a controversial executive order signed in January that prohibited transgender individuals from enlisting and serving openly. However, the administration faced legal challenges when two federal judges issued nationwide injunctions in March, preventing the enforcement of the ban while the lawsuit is ongoing. U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes of Washington, D.C., characterized the administration’s order as discriminatory and rooted in animus towards individuals based on their transgender status.
In addition to the transgender military ban, Trump signed another executive order in January targeting DEI content in K–12 schools that receive federal funds. While military service academies were initially exempt from this order, the Pentagon instructed the Naval Academy to remove DEI-related books from its library in March. Nearly 400 books were purged, including works by prominent authors like Ibram X. Kendi and Stacey Abrams, prompting criticism from advocates of diversity and inclusion.
Kendi, the founding director emeritus of the Boston University Center for Antiracist Research, gained national recognition following the death of George Floyd in 2020. The removal of these books sparked concerns about censorship and the suppression of marginalized voices within educational institutions.
Despite the backlash, Secretary Hegseth has remained steadfast in his commitment to eliminating DEI initiatives within the Pentagon. In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Hegseth emphasized that the President’s guidance is clear: no more DEI at the Department of Defense. This uncompromising stance reflects the administration’s firm stance on dismantling diversity and inclusion efforts within the military.
As the debate over DEI policies continues to unfold, it is evident that the Trump administration is determined to reshape the landscape of diversity and equality within the military. The implications of these actions extend beyond the military sphere, raising questions about the future of inclusive practices in government institutions. Only time will tell how these controversial decisions will impact the broader conversation surrounding diversity and inclusion in society.
This article was rewritten based on the original content from Fox News, incorporating key points and information while presenting a unique perspective on the issue.
