The Trump administration is expected to bring sweeping policy changes to the Department of Defense, with Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News host and veteran, nominated to lead the department. Hegseth’s pick has caused some concern in the defense industrial base. The administration plans to undo diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) accommodations and training within the military. President Trump has made it clear that these initiatives will not be a priority for the military, stating that those who led these efforts will be removed from command.
High-level officers at the Pentagon, including longtime generals, are facing the possibility of losing their jobs under the incoming administration. Hegseth has expressed the need to "clean house" of career Department of Defense officials, particularly those who were involved in DEI initiatives. The transition team is considering establishing a "warrior board" of retired senior military personnel who would have the power to review and recommend the removal of unfit three- and four-star officers. This move is part of the administration’s plan to radically overhaul Pentagon senior leadership.
Trump is expected to reinstate a ban on transgender people serving in the military, rolling back an executive order signed by President Biden that lifted the ban. Trump originally announced the ban in 2017, citing concerns about medical costs and disruptions transgender individuals could bring to the military. The ban led to numerous lawsuits and challenges. In addition, the administration plans to roll back a Biden-era policy that allowed troops to seek leave and reimbursement to obtain an abortion outside of their stationed state.
Conservatives have been pushing to block policies related to abortion and transgender individuals serving in the military. The Pentagon had requested $114 million for DEI initiatives in 2024, focusing on furthering diversity, equity, and inclusion. However, the administration plans to undo these initiatives, with Hegseth criticizing DEI efforts for amplifying differences, creating grievances, and excluding those who do not conform to cultural Marxist ideas. He believes that DEI initiatives will harm the military more than any other threat.
Hegseth has criticized the focus on social justice training in the military, arguing that it has led to fewer training accidents due to less field training and more emphasis on social justice education. He believes that meeting DEI metrics has become the top priority in many military units, overshadowing the importance of traditional field training. The transition team is considering ways to remove generals and high-level officers who were involved in DEI "woke s**t," signaling a significant shift in leadership at the Pentagon.
Overall, the Trump administration is expected to bring about significant changes in the Department of Defense, with a focus on undoing diversity initiatives, reinstating bans on transgender individuals serving in the military, and rolling back policies related to abortion travel for troops. The incoming administration, led by Pete Hegseth, is planning to overhaul senior Pentagon leadership and remove those who have been involved in DEI initiatives. Conservatives are in favor of these changes, while detractors argue that they will harm the military’s readiness and effectiveness.
