President Donald Trump will soon issue executive orders aimed at significant changes in military policy, including the removal of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, the reinstatement of troops discharged for refusing COVID-19 vaccines, and the development of a missile defense system for the United States, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Monday, January 27, 2025.
Hegseth, who narrowly secured confirmation as defense secretary, referred to two key military bases by their former names—Fort Benning and Fort Bragg—during his first remarks at the Pentagon. These names had been changed under the Biden administration to Fort Moore and Fort Liberty as part of an initiative to rename bases previously named after Confederate officers.
“There are more executive orders coming,” Hegseth told reporters, emphasizing his intent to prioritize military readiness and eliminate DEI initiatives.
The Air Force confirmed that it will continue using an instructional video about the Tuskegee Airmen—the first Black aviators in U.S. military history—after ensuring compliance with Trump’s executive order banning DEI programs.
(Reuters)
