Pete Hegseth Issues Warning to Federal Workers Who Fail To ‘Comply’
January 26, 2025
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth 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.
Trump and MAGA 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.
Pete Hegseth smiles as he walks in with US Vice President JD Vance for his swearing in as the new Secretary of Defense at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building at the White House in Washington,… Pete Hegseth smiles as he walks in with US Vice President JD Vance for his swearing in as the new Secretary of Defense at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building at the White House in Washington, DC, on January 25, 2025.
Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty Images
What To Know
Hegseth, who was sworn in last week after squeaking by his confirmation through a tie-break vote, 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 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.
This is a developing story, and more information will be added as it becomes available.
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