U.S. President Donald Trump signed executive orders on Monday eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives from the military, reinstating troops discharged for refusing COVID-19 vaccines, and addressing “gender radicalism,” likely referencing transgender service members.
Pete Hegseth, narrowly confirmed as defense secretary, criticized DEI efforts and mentioned bases renamed under President Joe Biden. During his Pentagon arrival, Hegseth referred to Fort Moore and Fort Liberty by their former names, Fort Benning and Fort Bragg, sparking attention.
Trump’s executive orders include plans to reinstate troops dismissed over the Pentagon’s 2021 COVID-19 vaccine mandate and a directive to develop an “American Iron Dome,” modeled on Israel’s missile defense system.
Hegseth promised sweeping changes at the Pentagon, focusing internally on military policies. Although 1.3 million active personnel serve in the U.S. military, transgender rights advocates estimate up to 15,000 transgender service members. Trump had previously sought to ban transgender troops during his first term but faced limited implementation. President Joe Biden reversed the policy in 2021.
The Air Force announced it would resume teaching about the Tuskegee Airmen, following compliance with Trump’s DEI ban. Meanwhile, Hegseth hinted at potential changes in leadership while committing to working with current officials like Air Force General C.Q. Brown.
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