04/08/2026
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says the Pentagon is ending what he describes as "woke" policies, marking another step in the Trump administration's effort to reshape the U.S. military. Among the announced changes is the removal of gender pronouns from official military communications.
Hegseth argues the military should focus on combat readiness, discipline, and a "warrior-first" culture rather than diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Supporters say the changes will strengthen effectiveness and keep the armed forces focused on their core mission.
Critics, however, contend that the move sidelines inclusion efforts and could negatively affect morale among service members from diverse backgrounds. Civil rights groups and some lawmakers have also raised concerns about the broader impact of rolling back such policies.
The announcement reflects the administration's wider push to reverse several diversity-related measures across federal agencies. As the policy changes take effect, the debate over military culture, readiness, and inclusion is expected to remain a major political issue in the United States.