President Donald Trump signed multiple executive orders on Monday, with two specifically targeting “radical gender ideology” and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in the U.S. military branches.
These orders, titled “Prioritizing Military Excellence and Readiness” and “Restoring America’s Fighting Force,” are expected to be implemented by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and the Secretary of Homeland Security within 30 days.
According to Trump, DEI programs have undermined leadership, merit, and unit cohesion, leading to a decrease in lethality and readiness within the military. The orders aim to end discrimination based on sex, race, ethnicity, color, or creed.
The internal review ordered by Hegseth within 90 days will document instances of discrimination or promotion based on race or sex. Additionally, the orders ban teaching of divisive and discriminatory theories in the military and require alignment with the values outlined in the orders.
Progress must be reported by Hegseth and the homeland security secretary within 180 days to track implementation and make recommendations if necessary.
DEFENSE SECRETARY PETE HEGSETH SAYS ‘NO MORE DEI AT DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE’: ‘NO EXCEPTIONS’
President Donald Trump signed two executive orders on Monday related to the military that will ban “radical gender ideology” and DEI initiatives from all branches and their academies. (REUTERS/Carlos Barria)
