No more 'identity months': Pentagon scraps official events for Black, Women's History months

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued new guidance late Friday, ending official Defense Department events, marking Black History Month, Women’s History Month, and other “cultural awareness months” across the U.S. military.

The sweeping new policy marks a major shift for the Pentagon, which had routinely hosted official events throughout the year, marking those occasions and hosting other celebrations. But Mr. Hegseth, as part of the Trump administration’s broader government-wide effort to push back on diversity, equity and inclusion policies that they say are detrimental to the nation, said such official events are no longer allowed.

“Our unity and purpose are instrumental to meeting the department’s warfighting mission. Efforts to divide the force — to put one group ahead of another — erode camaraderie and threaten mission execution,” the guidance reads.

The statement goes on to say that the Pentagon, military departments and all Defense Department components cannot use any official resources to host celebrations or events for National African American/Black History Month; Women’s History Month; Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month; National Hispanic Heritage Month; National Disability Employment Awareness Month; and National American Indian Heritage Month.

“Installations, units, and offices are encouraged to celebrate the valor and success of military heroes of all races, genders, and backgrounds as we restore our warrior culture and ethos,” the guidance reads. “We are proud of our warriors and their history, but we will focus on the character of their service instead of their immutable characteristics.”

The Pentagon said that service members and civilian Defense Department employees are free to attend celebrations and events marking those months, but only while off the clock.