Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has directed the Pentagon to shut down all diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) activities immediately, following an order from President Donald Trump. He warned that leaders who attempt to keep DEI projects alive would be removed.
Key Facts:
- President Trump signed an executive order demanding all DEI programs end across federal agencies.
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated there would be “no exceptions, name-changes, or delays.”
- The Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk, canceled around \$420 million in contracts tied to DEI.
- Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., supported the move, urging DEI efforts to “die.”
- The FBI had already closed its own DEI office last December.
The Rest of The Story:
President Trump’s order not only halted DEI programs but also required each federal agency to provide a thorough list of employees, contracts, and office spaces dedicated to DEI.
By closing these initiatives, Trump says he aims to fulfill a “solemn duty” to enforce civil-rights laws as originally intended, without added policies based on race or gender.
Hegseth’s order at the Pentagon is part of this larger effort.
According to his handwritten note, immediate compliance is mandatory, and any sign of disguising DEI under new labels is grounds for removal.
Critics argue that ending these offices will reverse progress on inclusion.
Supporters believe this return to a strict interpretation of equal treatment under the law will curb what they call unnecessary spending and possible discrimination in hiring.
Officials in the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency say they uncovered hundreds of millions of dollars tied to DEI contracts that can now be redirected elsewhere.
The President’s guidance (lawful orders) is clear: No more DEI at @DeptofDefense.
The Pentagon will comply, immediately.
No exceptions, name-changes, or delays. pic.twitter.com/KwRtxYRIbG
— Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) January 26, 2025
They also noted Trump’s recent declaration that the government officially recognizes two genders, calling it a measure that restores legal clarity.
Senator Kennedy’s remarks echo a broader conservative view that the best way to halt discrimination is to ignore divisive labels.
Commentary:
We fully support Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s decision and believe that our armed forces must remain colorblind when it comes to promotions, training, and leadership.
Instead of dividing people by background, the military should value unity and excellence above all else.
We feel that national security demands the best and brightest be placed in positions of command.
Eliminating DEI programs helps ensure that an individual’s skill and dedication, not their demographic label, decides where they serve.
This is the approach that will keep our nation secure and our military strong.
The Bottom Line:
The Pentagon’s decision to end DEI programs came quickly after Trump’s executive order.
Those who support the plan see it as reinforcing merit-based selection and fiscal responsibility.
Opponents warn it may scale back policies designed to help underrepresented groups.
For now, the Department of Defense has made it clear: DEI at the Pentagon is over, without exception.
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