In his first week back in office, President Donald Trump is set to sign significant executive orders aimed at removing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives from the military. This decision reflects a campaign promise made to overhaul military culture and policy. Along with the DEI order, Trump plans to propose guidelines for the treatment of transgender troops and to reinstate military personnel discharged for refusing Covid-19 vaccines.
Trump Takes Bold Step to Abolish DEI Initiatives in Military
Trump Takes Bold Step to Abolish DEI Initiatives in Military
In a series of executive orders, President Trump moves to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in the U.S. military, reshaping military policy surrounding transgender service and Covid-19 vaccination discharges.
DEI programs were implemented to encourage the participation of diverse groups within military ranks but have faced criticism for perceived discrimination against those not represented in these initiatives. The forthcoming executive orders aim to eliminate race- or sex-based preferences and any DEI bureaucracy within the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Homeland Security. The administration’s goal is to improve military recruitment, which reportedly fell short by 41,000 personnel in the last fiscal year.
One of the orders includes a directive for military academies such as West Point and the U.S. Air Force Academy to review training materials for any content that reflects "radical" DEI or gender ideologies. It’s unclear which specific programs will be targeted. A past recommendation from the DoD’s Board on Diversity and Inclusion suggested removing aptitude test barriers and promoting diversity within military leadership, but this direction will be overturned.
Additionally, while the executive order does not ban transgender individuals from military service, it will instruct a revision of military guidelines regarding transgender personnel. Pronouns will be prohibited, and males will be barred from accessing female-designated facilities. This move draws a stark contrast to the actions of former President Biden, who previously sanctioned transgender service members.
In reinstating personnel discharged over vaccination refusals, Trump highlighted these actions as rectifying "unjust" expulsions during the pandemic. Approximately 8,000 service members were discharged for refusing the Covid-19 vaccine, but only 43 previously received reinstatement. Concerns have been raised that allowing these reinstatements could set a precedent for opt-outs of critical vaccines essential for service members’ health.
Upon assuming office, Trump has promised to further eliminate government staff tied to DEI, placing them on administrative leave as part of his pursuit to reshape military policy. Trump described DEI programs as "dangerous, demeaning, and immoral," signaling a definitive shift toward traditional military values focused on readiness and legal principles. As the administration moves forward, officials predict that more executive orders will follow to fully execute this realignment of military culture.
One of the orders includes a directive for military academies such as West Point and the U.S. Air Force Academy to review training materials for any content that reflects "radical" DEI or gender ideologies. It’s unclear which specific programs will be targeted. A past recommendation from the DoD’s Board on Diversity and Inclusion suggested removing aptitude test barriers and promoting diversity within military leadership, but this direction will be overturned.
Additionally, while the executive order does not ban transgender individuals from military service, it will instruct a revision of military guidelines regarding transgender personnel. Pronouns will be prohibited, and males will be barred from accessing female-designated facilities. This move draws a stark contrast to the actions of former President Biden, who previously sanctioned transgender service members.
In reinstating personnel discharged over vaccination refusals, Trump highlighted these actions as rectifying "unjust" expulsions during the pandemic. Approximately 8,000 service members were discharged for refusing the Covid-19 vaccine, but only 43 previously received reinstatement. Concerns have been raised that allowing these reinstatements could set a precedent for opt-outs of critical vaccines essential for service members’ health.
Upon assuming office, Trump has promised to further eliminate government staff tied to DEI, placing them on administrative leave as part of his pursuit to reshape military policy. Trump described DEI programs as "dangerous, demeaning, and immoral," signaling a definitive shift toward traditional military values focused on readiness and legal principles. As the administration moves forward, officials predict that more executive orders will follow to fully execute this realignment of military culture.
