The Department of Defense (DoD) has become the latest federal agency to eliminate all diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, following President Donald Trump’s executive order to terminate federal DEI initiatives. This move comes with the confirmation of Pete Hegseth, a prominent figure from Fox News, as the new Secretary of Defense.
Pete Hegseth, known for his appearances on Fox News, now leads the Department of Defense and is implementing policy changes.
Hegseth’s Swift Action Against DEI at the Pentagon
“The President’s guidance (lawful orders) is clear: No more DEI at Dept. of Defense,” announced Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in a post on X. Accompanying his statement was a handwritten note emphasizing the immediate effect of the policy change. “The Pentagon will comply, immediately. No exceptions, name-changes, or delays,” Hegseth asserted. He further warned, “those who do not comply will no longer work here,” signaling a zero-tolerance approach to the DEI program ban.
Senator John Kennedy, a Republican from Louisiana, supported Hegseth’s stance, echoing the sentiment in his own X post: “The best way to stop discriminating against people on the basis of race or gender is to stop discriminating against people on the basis of race or gender. Let DEI die.” This statement reflects a growing conservative viewpoint against DEI initiatives, which are increasingly seen as discriminatory themselves.
Pete Hegseth’s Confirmation and Background
Pete Hegseth, 44, a former Fox News host and a veteran, was officially sworn in as Secretary of Defense on Saturday morning. His confirmation on Friday followed weeks of intense political debate and media attention surrounding his nomination. Hegseth, previously a Minnesota National Guard officer with service in Iraq and Afghanistan, brings a military background and a strong conservative voice to the Pentagon’s leadership.
“All praise and glory to God. His will be done and we’re grateful to be here,” Hegseth stated after taking his oath, with his family present. His appointment and swift action on DEI signal a significant shift in the Department of Defense’s priorities under the new administration.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth confirms the dismantling of all DEI programs within the Department of Defense, adhering to President Trump’s executive order.
Broader Impact of Trump’s Anti-DEI Executive Order
Trump’s newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, reported the cancellation of approximately $420 million in contracts related to DEI initiatives. On Inauguration Day, President Trump signed an executive order mandating the closure of all DEI offices and placing government employees in those roles on paid leave, demonstrating a comprehensive effort to dismantle DEI structures within the federal government.
Federal Agencies Implement DEI Shutdown
Acting Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Charles Ezell issued a memo to agency heads, instructing them to inform employees of the DEI shutdown by the end of January 22nd. The memo further directed agencies to remove DEI-related websites and social media, cancel associated contracts and training, and report any attempts to conceal DEI programs through nuanced language. Agencies were also required to provide OPM with detailed lists of DEI offices, personnel, and contracts by January 23rd, and by January 24th, submit plans for workforce reduction related to DEI positions.
Pete Hegseth is sworn in as the new Secretary of Defense at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, witnessed by his wife and seven children, marking a significant moment in his career transition from Fox News to public service.
Adding to the administration’s policy shifts, President Trump also signed an order recognizing only two genders, male and female, further underlining the administration’s stance on social issues related to DEI.
Trump’s Multi-pronged Attack on DEI
President Trump’s actions extend beyond the DoD, encompassing multiple executive orders aimed at curbing DEI influence. These include measures to eliminate race- and sex-based preferences in workplace and higher education under the guise of DEI, and to reverse a Biden administration policy prioritizing DEI hiring at the Federal Aviation Administration. Trump’s executive order emphasizes the protection of Americans from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, asserting these protections as fundamental to equal opportunity.
President Donald Trump’s executive orders target both gender identity and diversity, equity, and inclusion programs within the federal government, signaling a major policy shift.
The executive order states that DEI and DEIA policies in institutions including the Federal Government, corporations, and educational bodies, are “dangerous, demeaning, and immoral race- and sex-based preferences” that can violate civil rights laws. It further argues that these policies undermine meritocracy and potentially compromise safety in critical sectors by diminishing the importance of individual qualifications. Prior to Trump’s broader order, the FBI had already closed its DEI office in December, indicating a pre-emptive trend against these programs within federal agencies.
This comprehensive dismantling of DEI programs across the federal government, spearheaded by figures like Pete Hegseth and driven by President Trump’s executive orders, marks a significant departure from previous administrations and signals a major policy shift with potentially far-reaching implications.
