US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth Criticizes DEI Initiatives, Ends Identity Month Celebrations
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has spoken out against diversity initiatives in the armed forces, describing the phrase “diversity is our strength” as the “dumbest” in military history. Addressing Pentagon staff on Friday, he announced that his leadership would focus on unity and fairness, eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.
Hegseth, who served in the US National Guard and previously hosted a show on Fox News, argued that DEI programs are divisive. He has also halted identity month celebrations such as Black History Month and Women’s History Month, asserting that these efforts “put one group ahead of another” and “erode camaraderie and threaten mission execution.”
In his speech, Hegseth stated, “In this department, we will treat everyone equally. We will treat everyone with fairness. We will treat everyone with respect, and we will judge you as an individual by your merit and by your commitment to the team and the mission.” He emphasized that unity is crucial for the success of military operations.
Hegseth also discussed global security, noting recent events that have damaged perceptions of American strength. He cited the chaotic US withdrawal from Afghanistan, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and the Hamas attack on Israel as examples of instability. According to Hegseth, “Chaos happens when the perception of American strength is not complete,” and his aim is to reestablish deterrence.
The secretary pledged accountability for the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal, during which the US-backed government in Kabul collapsed faster than expected. The withdrawal, planned by former President Donald Trump, cost billions of dollars and resulted in tens of thousands of casualties over a 20-year military campaign. Hegseth aims to ensure that lessons are learned from this event.
Hegseth’s comments reflect a broader debate within the US government about the role of diversity initiatives in the armed forces. While some argue that these programs promote unity and inclusivity, critics like Hegseth contend that they can be divisive and detrimental to military readiness. As Defense Secretary, Hegseth’s actions will have a significant impact on the direction of these policies within the US Department of Defense.