Newly appointed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has wasted no time in implementing President Trump's executive order to dismantle all diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs within the Department of Defense (DoD). Hegseth confirmed the move on social media, stating unequivocally that there would be "no exceptions, name-changes, or delays" in complying with the presidential directive. Employees who fail to adhere to the new policy will face termination, he added.
Senator John Kennedy (R-La.) expressed his support for the decision, advocating for an end to discrimination based on race or gender. Hegseth's confirmation and subsequent swearing-in ceremony on Saturday followed weeks of intense political debate and scrutiny of his personal life. The 44-year-old former Minnesota National Guard officer and ex-Fox News host expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve.
The newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, has reported the cancellation of approximately $420 million in contracts related to DEI initiatives. This action follows President Trump's inauguration day executive order mandating the closure of all federal DEI offices and placing affected employees on paid leave.
Acting OPM Director Charles Ezell issued a memo outlining a strict timeline for agency heads to comply with the DEI shutdown. This included informing employees, taking down related online content, canceling contracts and training, and reporting any attempts to conceal DEI programs under different terminology. Agencies were also required to submit lists of DEI offices, employees, and contracts to the OPM, along with plans for workforce reductions and documentation of any job description changes made since November 5, 2024, that might obscure connections to DEI.
President Trump also signed an order formally recognizing only two genders: male and female. Further executive actions targeted DEI in the workplace and higher education, aiming to eliminate race- and sex-based preferences. Trump emphasized his commitment to upholding civil rights laws and ensuring equal opportunity for all Americans, arguing that DEI initiatives undermine meritocracy and potentially compromise safety in critical sectors like government, medicine, aviation, and law enforcement.
The FBI had already closed its DEI office in December, preceding Trump's broader executive order.
