Overview

• A Government Accountability Office (GAO) report confirms the Pentagon has eliminated nearly 200 diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) positions over the past year.
• The cuts began in 2024 under a congressional mandate reducing DEI staff from 115 to 41, with further eliminations following a January 2025 executive order from President Trump.
• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has drawn criticism for a misleading social media post implying the eliminations were solely a result of Trump administration actions, overlooking Congress's role.
• Hegseth has also purged approximately ten senior military leaders who supported DEI initiatives, including high-ranking figures like Gen. CQ Brown and Adm. Lisa Franchetti.
• The Pentagon’s shift away from DEI reflects broader conservative efforts to dismantle such programs, sparking debates about equity and representation in the military.