Hegseth Claims Near Total Elimination of DEI Initiatives from Military

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a near-total eradication of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives from the U.S. military during a recent Cabinet meeting.

During a Cabinet meeting, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claimed that the Trump administration has successfully removed ‘99.9%’ of DEI initiatives from the military. This statement came in response to President Donald Trump’s query about the complete elimination of such efforts under Hegseth’s leadership. Hegseth assured the President of his commitment to eliminating the remaining fraction, stating, ‘99.9, sir – I’m going to get that last point.’

The Trump administration has actively pursued policies to curb DEI initiatives, notably through an executive order signed in January that bars transgender individuals from enlisting and serving openly in the military. However, this order faced legal challenges with two federal judges issuing nationwide injunctions in March, blocking enforcement of the ban pending further legal proceedings. U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes criticized the Trump administration’s order as ‘soaked in animus’ and discriminatory.

In addition to military policies, the administration’s efforts extended to educational institutions. An executive order was signed to ban DEI content in K-12 schools receiving federal funds. Although military service academies were initially exempt, the Pentagon later instructed the Naval Academy to remove nearly 400 books related to DEI from its library, including works by prominent authors like Ibram X. Kendi and Stacey Abrams.

Hegseth has emphasized a strict stance against DEI initiatives within the Department of Defense, stating on social media, ‘The President’s guidance (lawful orders) is clear: No more DEI at @DeptofDefense. The Pentagon will comply, immediately. No exceptions, name-changes, or delays.’