Trump's executive order sparks outrage as Pentagon halts diversity celebrations

In response to President Donald Trump’s recent executive order banning diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, the Pentagon’s Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) has suspended special event programs and observances related to Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Black History Month, Juneteenth, and several other cultural and heritage events, according to an internal memo obtained by ABC News.

Despite the suspension of these events, the memo clarifies that Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth will remain recognized as federal holidays. However, activities traditionally held in honor of these observances, along with Holocaust Days of Remembrance and Pride Month, are now on hold.

Lt. Cmdr. Seth Clarke, a spokesperson for the DIA, confirmed in a statement that the agency is working closely with the Department of Defense (DoD) to implement all executive orders and administrative directives.

"The Defense Intelligence Agency is working with the Department of Defense to fully implement all Executive Orders and Administration guidance in a timely manner," Clarke said. "As we receive additional guidance, we will continue to update our internal policies."

A copy of the memo detailing the suspension began circulating on social media on January 29, sparking debate among federal employees and advocacy groups. The document, dated January 28, 2025, outlines the affected events, including:

The suspension of these observances comes just days before the start of Black History Month, which begins annually on February 1.

President Trump has issued multiple executive orders aimed at dismantling DEI programs across federal agencies, arguing that such initiatives "create and then amplify prejudicial hostility and exacerbate interpersonal conflict." The White House has framed these measures as an effort to eliminate what it calls “ideological coercion” within government institutions.

In addition to pausing cultural observances, the DIA memo also notes that the agency will suspend the activities of Agency Resource Groups, Affinity Groups, and Employee Networking Groups until further notice.

The suspension of these events has raised concerns among civil rights organizations, military personnel, and government employees who view the recognition of cultural heritage months as essential to fostering inclusivity and awareness. Advocates argue that these observances serve as a means of honoring the contributions of historically marginalized groups and promoting cohesion within the federal workforce.

Critics of the executive order fear that the broader elimination of DEI programs could erode progress made in advancing diversity and representation within government agencies, including the Department of Defense. Some officials worry that suspending these observances may negatively impact morale, particularly among service members and civilian employees who identify with the affected groups.

As the Pentagon and other federal agencies work to comply with the executive orders, questions remain regarding the long-term implications of these policy changes. While some view the move as an effort to streamline government operations, others see it as a step backward in the ongoing effort to build a more inclusive workplace.

For now, cultural and heritage observances remain in limbo, leaving many to wonder what the future holds for diversity initiatives within the U.S. military and federal government.