NEW: Pete Hegseth Hits The Ground Running, Guts Pentagon DEI Programs
The Department of Defense is the latest agency to terminate all diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs, along with associated race-based hiring practices and promotion of left-wing ideologies, after President Donald Trump signed an executive order that bans DEI at the federal level.
“The President’s guidance (lawful orders) is clear: No more DEI at Dept. of Defense,” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth wrote in an X post. “The Pentagon will comply, immediately. No exceptions, name-changes, or delays.”
The post was accompanied by a handwritten note with the same message, adding “those who do not comply will no longer work here.”
Photo: @PeteHegseth via X
Hegseth, 44, was sworn in on Saturday morning after a contentious confirmation process, during which he was the subject of numerous unsubstantiated or outright false allegations. Vice President J.D. Vance served as the tie-breaking vote after three Republican Senators — Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska voted against his nomination.
“All praise and glory to God. His will be done and we’re grateful to be here,” Hegseth said after being sworn in on Saturday afternoon. The nation’s brand new secretary of defense credited his faith and his wife, Jenny, for getting him through the tough confirmation process. “And as I said in my hearing, it was Jesus and Jenny. I would not be here without you, sweetheart. Thank you so much.”
Hegseth went on to thank President Trump for selecting him for the role. The War on Terror veteran’s nomination caused panic among the Washington D.C. establishment due to his resume, as detractors claimed he lacks experience since he was never a general. Supporters have found Hegseth’s experience to be refreshing, however, as it positions him as a Washington outsider who can implement key reforms.
WASHINGTON, DC-JANUARY 14 2025-U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaks during a Senate Armed Services confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill.
The Defense Department’s efforts to gut DEI programs comes as the Elon Musk-led Department of Government efficiency is eyeing more than $400 million in initial cuts relating to federal DEI initiatives.
Acting Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Charles Ezell sent a memo to heads and acting heads of departments and agencies last week informing them that all government DEI offices would be forced to close by the end of the day on Wednesday. Employees working within those agencies were informed that they will be placed on paid leave.
Federal workers were instructed to take down all DEI-related websites and social media accounts, cancel any related contracts or training, and ask employees to report any efforts to disguise DEI programs by using coded or imprecise language.