In a major policy shift, President Donald Trump has signed an executive order banning Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the US military and related federal agencies. The directive, signed late Monday, eliminates race- and sex-based preferences in recruitment, promotions, and operations across the armed forces, the Defense Department, and the Department of Homeland Security.
Donald Trump’s decision aligns with his long-standing campaign promise to remove DEI programs from federal institutions, arguing that such initiatives foster division rather than unity. While proponents of DEI stress its importance in correcting historical disparities and promoting inclusivity, critics—including the Trump administration—contend that these programs impose ideological mandates that weaken military effectiveness. The administration asserts that eliminating DEI programs will enhance recruitment efforts at a time when the military faces a personnel shortfall, with defense officials reporting a 41,000-recruit deficit in 2023.
Reinstatement of Discharged Service Members Over Vaccine Mandate
Another executive order signed by Trump reinstates over 8,000 service members who were discharged for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine. The move reverses a policy from the previous administration that required military personnel to be vaccinated as a condition of service. Donald Trump’s order allows these former service members to return to active duty, potentially helping address the military’s recruitment crisis.
This decision has been met with mixed reactions. Supporters argue that it corrects an unfair policy that penalized service members for personal health choices, while critics warn that reversing the vaccine mandate could impact military readiness and health security. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the order, stating that it is part of a broader effort to rebuild the armed forces by eliminating policies perceived as politically motivated.
Donald Trump’s Vision for Military Strength and Technological Advancements
In addition to the DEI ban and vaccine-related reinstatements, Donald Trump signed an executive order directing officials to develop a policy on transgender troops. While the order does not impose an immediate ban, it signals potential future restrictions on transgender service members. The administration has yet to provide specific guidelines, but analysts expect further policy changes in the coming months.
Donald Trump also announced a new initiative to develop an “American Iron Dome,” a missile defense system modeled after Israel’s highly successful air defense network. The project aims to bolster the US military’s capabilities against aerial threats, particularly from adversaries like China and Russia. Additionally, the White House confirmed that Trump signed a proclamation commemorating the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, highlighting his administration’s commitment to historical remembrance.
Ban on Race and Gender-Based Preferences
The Trump administration has officially ordered the elimination of all Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs within the U.S. military, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). A White House official confirmed the directive, which bans any race- or sex-based preferences deemed discriminatory by the administration. This move is part of a broader effort to reshape federal policies on diversity initiatives.
According to the administration, any remaining DEI-related bureaucratic structures within these departments will also be dismantled. While specific programs affected by the order remain unclear, a 2020 report from the DoD’s Board on Diversity and Inclusion had previously recommended the removal of “aptitude test barriers that adversely impact diversity” and the integration of DEI principles into leadership training. These recommendations now stand in direct contrast to the administration’s policy shift.
Military Training and Workforce Adjustments
The directive has already begun influencing military training programs. Over the weekend, reports emerged that the U.S. Air Force was reviewing training material related to the contributions of Black and female pilots during World War II in an effort to comply with the order. However, military officials later clarified that certain historical curricula would remain in basic training programs despite the policy change.
Donald Trump and his allies have strongly criticized DEI initiatives in the military, arguing that they undermine combat readiness. In a campaign speech last June, Trump stated that the military’s purpose is “to win wars, not to be woke.” Echoing this sentiment, senior administration official Pete Hegseth emphasized that military training will now focus exclusively on “lethality, readiness, and warfighting.” Meanwhile, the Department of Veterans Affairs has placed nearly 60 DEI-focused employees on administrative leave, revealing that their salaries collectively amounted to approximately $8 million annually.
This sweeping federal action signals a decisive shift in the military’s approach to diversity policies, aligning with the administration’s broader agenda to eliminate DEI practices across government institutions.
