Restoring America's Fighting Force
Executive Order 2025-02181
|Signed on January 28, 2025
DefenseFirst 100 Days
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What it means
Orders the elimination of all Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs in the military. The Secretary of Defense must document past DEI initiatives and prohibits teaching "divisive concepts" or gender ideology within military institutions.
Expected impact
- Significant reorganization within the Department of Defense and Coast Guard as DEI offices and programs are dismantled
- Changes to military academy curriculum to align with the order's stated values
- Potential resistance from some military leadership and personnel who supported DEI initiatives
- Praise from conservatives who view DEI programs as undermining military effectiveness and meritocracy
- Criticism from progressives and civil rights organizations concerned about equal opportunity in the military