Defense Secretary Hegseth Denounces Military Diversity Efforts In West Point Speech
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth denounced military diversity programs during his commencement address at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point on Saturday, May 23, 2026.[1]
He said "diversity is not our strength," attacked past "woke" leadership and derided the inclusion of transgender personnel and pronoun-focused language.[1] Hegseth framed those remarks in line with the Trump administration's ban on transgender service.[1] The speech came as President Trump remained at the White House over Memorial Day weekend and weighed additional military options in the Iran war.[1]
The Trump administration banned transgender military service, and Hegseth's comments echoed that earlier policy and the wider Pentagon debates over diversity, equity and inclusion programs.[1]
The remarks are likely to deepen partisan debate over military culture and could influence future Pentagon personnel policy.
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📌 Key Facts
- On Saturday, May 23, 2026, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth delivered the commencement address at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
- Hegseth criticized past diversity, equity and inclusion programs in the armed forces, saying "diversity is not our strength" and attacking prior "woke" leadership.
- He derided inclusion of transgender personnel and pronoun-focused language, aligning his remarks with the Trump administration's ban on transgender military service.
- The speech occurred as President Trump remained at the White House over Memorial Day weekend and considered additional military options in the ongoing Iran war.
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