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By Peter Aitken
Politics Weekend Editor
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Sunday issued a warning to employees of the Defense Department who do not comply with President Donald Trump's anti-Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) policies.
Newsweek reached out to the Pentagon by email on Sunday afternoon for comment.
Why It Matters
The Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI) was established as the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Equal Opportunity in 1994. The ODEI plans and carries out "diversity management and equal opportunity policies and programs" that affect active, reserve, and civilian DOD employees.
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Trump and a number of Republicans have criticized the DoD's efforts to support diversity and inclusion among its personnel and staff.
Trump ordered an end to DEI policies on his first day back in office, signing an executive order called "Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing." His administration then laid out the steps to inform federal employees in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) offices of the upcoming changes.
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What To Know
Hegseth, who was sworn in last week after squeaking by his confirmation after a tie-breaking vote from Vice President JD Vance, issued the statement on X, formerly Twitter, on Sunday afternoon.
The message, which was accompanied by a picture of a handwritten note on paper with Secretary of Defense letterhead, said: The President's guidance (lawful orders) is clear: No more DEI at [Department of Defense]. The Pentagon will comply, immediately. No exceptions, name-changes, or delays."
The handwritten note said: "DoD =/= DEI*", followed by "*no exceptions, name changes or delays. Those who do not comply will no longer work here." The note is signed "SecDef 29."
Within the first hour of posting, the post had over 700,000 views, 30,000 likes, 5,700 shares and 2000 comments.
What People Are Saying
Vice President JD Vance during an interview with CBS moderator Margaret Brennan said of Hegseth: "Pete is a disrupter and a lot of people don't like that disruption — but, Margaret, that disruption is incredibly necessary."
Republican Senator Thom Tillis on casting his critical vote to confirm Hegseth, wrote of Hegseth on X: "Once Pete Hegseth's nomination was sent to the floor by my colleagues on the Senate Armed Services Committee, I conducted my own due diligence, including asking tough questions of Pete and I appreciated his candor and openness in answering them.
Pete has a unique perspective as a veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and is unquestionably passionate about modernizing our military and supporting the brave patriots like himself who serve our nation. I will support his confirmation and look forward to working with him to rebuild our military and advance President Trump's peace through strength agenda."
What Happens Next
The Pentagon will implement this policy as part of the wider Trump administration crackdown on DEI policies and departments across the federal government.
Update, 1/26/25 at 2:40 p.m. ET: This story has been updated with reactions and additional information.
Update, 1/28/25 at 1:10 p.m. ET: This story has been updated for clarity and to include comments from Tillis.
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