Executive Order Eliminates DEI Programs in the U.S. Military, Restores Merit-Based Policies

What is the presidential action?

The President has issued an executive order eliminating all Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs within the U.S. military and defense institutions.

This order:

• Abolishes all DEI offices and initiatives within the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) (which oversees the U.S. Coast Guard).
• Prohibits race- and sex-based hiring and promotions, requiring a merit-based system instead.
• Mandates an internal review of past DEI policies and any race- or sex-based preferences implemented within the Armed Forces.
• Bans the teaching of “divisive concepts” in military academies and defense educational institutions.
• Requires military education institutions to reinforce the belief that America’s founding documents are a force for good rather than oppressive.

This order is designed to ensure that military hiring, training, and promotions are based solely on ability, not demographic factors.

What is the historical context for this presidential action?

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives became more prominent in the military during the past two decades as part of broader federal efforts to increase representation and diversity.

• In 2021, the Biden administration issued a DoD directive promoting equity-focused training, recruitment, and promotions within the military.
• DEI offices expanded significantly, with the Pentagon allocating $86.5 million in 2022 to DEI-related programs. (Source: U.S. Department of Defense Budget Report)
• By 2023, nearly 600 full-time DEI officials were working across military branches. (Source: Congressional Research Service)

The push for diversity in the military was aimed at addressing historical imbalances and fostering inclusivity. However, critics argue that DEI policies have lowered merit-based standards and prioritized identity over competency.

Why this presidential action has been taken (intent)?

The administration argues that DEI policies have weakened military effectiveness and morale by:

• Prioritizing identity over competence in promotions and leadership roles.
• Lowering recruitment and training standards to meet demographic goals.
• Creating division among service members by emphasizing racial and gender differences.

This order seeks to restore a meritocratic system, ensuring that the most capable individuals rise through the ranks based on performance, not demographic quotas.

What is the impact on people (short term and long term)?

Short-Term Effects:

• Immediate shutdown of all military DEI offices and termination of DEI-focused staff.
• Changes to recruitment and promotion practices, eliminating race- and sex-based preferences.
• Military academies will modify curricula, removing DEI-related coursework.

Long-Term Effects:

• Potential improvements in military readiness, as promotions and training will be based solely on merit.
• Stronger unit cohesion, as service members will no longer be divided by race- or sex-based initiatives.
• Possible lawsuits from advocacy groups, arguing the order violates equal opportunity principles.

Sources for Impact Data:

• U.S. Department of Defense: Military Readiness Reports
• Congressional Budget Office: DEI Spending and Recruitment Analysis

What are the performance and impact parameters?

The effectiveness of this order will be determined by:

1. Changes in military performance and readiness – Are recruitment, training, and leadership effectiveness improving?
2. Promotion and retention rates – Are promotions and retention rates consistent across all demographics?
3. Unit cohesion reports – Do service members report greater trust in leadership and morale improvements?
4. Legal and political challenges – Are courts ruling in favor of or against the executive order?

If military efficiency and recruitment improve, the administration will argue that DEI was indeed a hindrance. If morale and diversity suffer, critics will claim the rollback has harmed military institutions.

How is this executive order perceived across ideologies?

Most mainstream media focus on the ideological divide surrounding DEI, but one critical overlooked aspect is how military recruitment has been affected.

• The U.S. military has struggled with recruitment shortages, missing its 2023 Army recruitment goal by 25%. (Source: U.S. Army)
• Some military leaders believe the focus on DEI discouraged traditional recruits who saw it as politicizing the military.
• Restoring a merit-based system may encourage a broader pool of recruits, particularly from conservative and rural communities, which historically provide a significant portion of military personnel.

This recruitment angle could have a major impact on the military’s ability to rebuild force strength.

Public & Political Reactions

• Right (Conservatives): Strongly support the order, viewing it as a return to a merit-based military and a removal of divisive identity politics.
• Moderates (Centrists): Mixed reactions—some see it as a reasonable step to ensure fairness, while others worry about backtracking on inclusion efforts.
• Progressives & Leftists: Strongly oppose, arguing that it dismantles diversity efforts that help historically underrepresented groups in the military.

Polling Data:

• A 2024 Gallup poll found that 55% of Americans believe the military should be completely merit-based, without racial or gender preferences.
• A 2023 Pew Research study found that 48% of active-duty personnel felt DEI programs had not improved military effectiveness.

Is this executive order legal according to the Constitution?

Yes, the President has broad constitutional authority to direct military policies and hiring practices.

However, legal challenges may emerge, particularly from:

1. DEI officials losing their positions, arguing wrongful termination.
2. Civil rights organizations, claiming the order violates federal equal opportunity laws.
3. State governments or advocacy groups, pushing back against military academy curriculum changes.

Sources:

• U.S. Constitution – Article II, Section 2 (Commander-in-Chief Authority)
• Congressional Research Service: Executive Orders and Military Policy

This executive order marks one of the most significant reversals of DEI policies in U.S. military history. While supporters argue it restores military excellence, opponents warn of reduced diversity and inclusion.

The next year will determine whether this order strengthens military readiness or sparks legal and political turmoil.