Defense Secretary Hegseth declares ‘Identity Months Dead at DoD’

Conservatives are cheering over Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s decision to nix all culture-related events and celebrations.

As part of the Trump administration’s crackdown on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), the Pentagon announced Friday that the military will no longer waste “official resources, to include man-hours, to host celebrations or events related to cultural awareness months.”

This means no more celebrating National African American/Black History Month, Women’s History Month, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, National Hispanic Heritage Month, National Disability Employment Awareness Month, National American Indian Heritage Month, etc.

“Installations, units, and offices are encouraged to celebrate the valor and success of military heroes of all races, genders, and backgrounds as we restore our warrior culture and ethos,” the guidance continues. “We are proud of our warriors and their history, but we will focus on the character of their service instead of their immutable characteristics.”

There’s also been speculation that the Pentagon is canceling celebrations for Holocaust Remembrance Day, MLK Day, and Juneteenth, but this hasn’t been officially confirmed as true.

To be clear, this guidance only applies to the Department of Defense. The White House, for its part, celebrated the start of Black History Month on Friday with a proclamation from President Donald Trump.

“Throughout our history, black Americans have been among our country’s most consequential leaders, shaping the cultural and political destiny of our Nation in profound ways,” the proclamation reads. “American heroes such as Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Thomas Sowell, Justice Clarence Thomas, and countless others represent what is best in America and her citizens.”

“Their achievements, which have monumentally advanced the tradition of equality under the law in our great country, continue to serve as an inspiration for all Americans,” it continues.

That being said, the DOD’s decision-making is tied directly to the president, as it comes roughly two weeks after Trump on Inauguration Day signed an executive order calling for the “termination” of all “discriminatory programs, including illegal DEI and diversity, equity, including and accessibility (DEIA) mandates, policies, programs, preferences, and activities in the federal government.”

Then, this past Wednesday, Hegseth stressed on Fox News that he intended to follow the executive order to a T.

“We’re not joking around. There’s no changing of names or softly manipulating something. DEI is gone,” he said.

Conservatives meanwhile are thrilled over the Pentagon’s announcement, with many remarking that it’s a sign of a new age at the Defense Department.

Vivek Saxena

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