President Donald Trump will soon sign several executive orders that will end programs focused on diversity, equality, and inclusion in the military, as well as allow for the reinstatement of thousands of troops who were discharged for refusing to get vaccinated against COVID-19 during the pandemic.
The announcement was made on Monday by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.
Hegseth, a former journalist for Fox News and a war veteran, was confirmed in the Senate with a narrow majority, marking a significant victory for President Trump after strong opposition from Democrats and some Republicans to his nomination.
“More executive orders will be approved,” Hegseth told reporters today at the Pentagon, on his first full day in the role.
Hegseth has promised to bring major changes to the Pentagon. One of his priorities was to eliminate diversity, equality, and inclusion programs in the military.
Hegseth was greeted at the entrance of the Pentagon by the highest-ranking military officer, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Air Force General C.Q. Brown, whom the defense secretary had criticized in one of his recent books.
When asked whether he would remove Brown from his post, Hegseth jokingly replied that he was standing by him.
“I’m staying by his side in these moments and I’m looking forward to working with him,” he said, placing his hand on Brown’s shoulder.
Reuters news agency had earlier reported the possibility of widespread dismissals of high-ranking officers or military leaders, something Hegseth consistently refused to rule out during his confirmation process in Congress.
Hegseth’s appointment caused division in the Senate, as the senior Pentagon position has historically been entrusted to candidates with extensive experience in leading large organizations, who enjoy broad bipartisan support.
