Overview
- Documents attributed to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth propose withdrawing medical and logistical aid for the 2026 National Jamboree in West Virginia and barring Scout activities on U.S. and overseas military installations.
- A Pentagon spokesperson declined to authenticate the drafts and said the department would not comment on documents that may be predecisional, while a source told NPR the materials were being prepared to notify Congress.
- The draft rationale criticizes Scouting America’s gender inclusion and DEI policies, labels the group “genderless,” and argues Jamboree support would divert resources from border operations and defending U.S. territory.
- Internal pushback has emerged, with Navy Secretary John Phelan warning that cutting base access could be detrimental to recruiting and accession efforts across the department.
- Scouting America said it was surprised and disappointed, citing a century of cooperation with the military and benefits for service families, as reporting also points to an end of enlistment advantages for Eagle Scouts if the plan proceeds.