Hegseth Takes Action at Defense Department, Ends ‘DEI’ Programs
The Department of Defense is the latest federal agency to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, along with race-based hiring and left-wing ideological promotions, following President Donald Trump’s executive order banning such programs at the federal level.
Shortly after being sworn in, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a sweeping Pentagon directive ordering the shutdown of all Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) offices across military branches and civilian DoD agencies.
“The President’s guidance (lawful orders) is clear: No more DEI at Dept. of Defense,” Hegseth declared in a post on X. “The Pentagon will comply, immediately. No exceptions, name-changes, or delays.” He further emphasized that “those who do not comply will no longer work here.”
Hegseth, 44, took the oath of office on Saturday morning after a confirmation process fraught with controversy and unverified allegations.
Vice President J.D. Vance cast the deciding vote after three Republican Senators—Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, Susan Collins of Maine, and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska—opposed his nomination.
“All praise and glory to God. His will be done, and we’re grateful to be here,” Hegseth said upon being sworn in, also crediting his wife for her unwavering support. “And as I said in my hearing, it was Jesus and Jenny. I would not be here without you, sweetheart. Thank you so much.” He also expressed gratitude to Trump for his nomination and to Vance for his support throughout the process.
Last week, Acting Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Charles Ezell issued a memorandum instructing all government departments and agencies to shut down DEI offices by Wednesday’s end of day. Employees in these roles were notified that they would be placed on paid leave.
Reports have already surfaced that some federal agencies have attempted to circumvent Trump’s order by rebranding DEI offices and altering job titles. Federal employees have been encouraged to report any efforts to disguise DEI programs using vague or coded language.
Meanwhile, Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., may have received positive news regarding his confirmation chances.
According to WPRI, Rhode Island Democratic Senator Sheldon Whitehouse is considering breaking with his party to vote for Kennedy, citing their long-standing friendship dating back to their time as law school roommates.
In 1998, The Providence Journal detailed their bond: “On many mornings, the two young men, scions of wealthy families with histories of public service, hiked and hunted in the woods around Charlottesville, Va. Kennedy half-kiddingly says he failed his first bar exam because Whitehouse persuaded him to take a four-day whitewater rafting trip in West Virginia when he should have been studying.”
That said, Whitehouse has remained noncommittal about his stance on Kennedy’s nomination. When asked by Politico last week, he responded, “I’m not going to reveal how I’m voting [on] any nominee.”
Additionally, he told Slate last month, “There’s a bunch of stuff that I want from HHS. So I’m going to hold my fire on that.”
Kennedy’s confirmation hearings have been scheduled, according to Fox News.
“The Health and Human Services (HHS) secretary nominee will participate in hearings with two committees, the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) and the Senate Committee on Finance. The first hearing will occur next week, on Wednesday, in front of the Senate Finance Committee, which oversees HHS. The Senate’s chief committee covering issues tied to health and healthcare, the HELP committee, will probe Kennedy the following day, on Thursday,” the outlet reported.
Ultimately, the Senate Finance Committee will determine whether his nomination moves forward.